Loris Sea Scallops With Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Recipes

PAN SEARED SCALLOPS WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE

Steps:

• To prepare the roasted red pepper sauce, place all of the ingredients into the bowl of a food processor, and process for a few minutes until completely smooth; pour the sauce into a squeeze bottle or spoon into a serving dish, and keep room temp or in the fridge. (Any unused portion will last for a couple of weeks in the fridge, and is delicious over chicken, beef, shrimp, or veggies.)
• To sear the scallops, place a large cast-iron or other heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat, and add in the avocado oil and the clarified (or regular) butter; once melted and the skillet it very hot and pretty much smoking, season the scallops with some sea salt, and working in batches if necessary, place the scallops larger flat-side down into the skillet.
• Do not disturb the scallops for about 2 1/2 minutes, allowing that first side to get a nice, deep brown char; then, flip the scallops over and allow them to sear, undisturbed, on that second side for about 1 1/2 minutes, or until a golden crust forms on that side and the scallops are medium-rare and slightly firm yet tender when gently pressed.
• Remove the scallops from the skillet and place onto a large platter to hold. Repeat with another batch, if necessary.
• To serve, add a couple of generous spoonfuls of the roasted red pepper sauce to the bottom of a plate, and top with 3 scallops; sprinkle over a small amount of the toasted pine nuts as well as some pretty micro greens, and serve while hot. (Alternately, you can spoon or drizzle some of the sauce over top of the scallops, then top with pine nuts and micro greens.)

CHAMPAGNE POACHED SCALLOPS WITH RED PEPPER PESTO

Steps:

• Roast or grill the red bell peppers until the skins are charred then, using tongs transfer them to a covered container such as a small pan with a lid or even a plastic zip-loc bag to let them rest. Peel them when cool.
• Prepare the pesto. Cut the peeled red peppers brunoise (julienne then crosswise into 1/8-inch pieces) and combine with garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. Fold in parmesan cheese and season with freshly ground black pepper. Add salt only if needed, since the cheese will add saltiness.
• Toast the baguette slices lightly on a baking sheet and set aside.
• Bring Champagne to a boil in a saucepan. Squeeze in juice of lime, then add scallop and poach until they are no longer translucent. Remove scallops to a utility platter and let Champagne reduce by about two-thirds.
• Spoon some red pepper pesto onto each slice of bread and top with a scallop. Top with a small amount of the champagne reduction and serve.

SEA SCALLOPS WITH RED PEPPER CREAM

Steps:

• For Sea Scallops.
• Heat butter in heavy large skillet over high heat.
• Add scallops, salt and pepper and stir until just opaque, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Transfer scallops to bowl, using slotted spoon.
• Add wine and sherry to skillet and boil until reduced to syrup, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes.
• Whisk in cream and any juices in scallop bowl.
• Boil until thickened to sauce-like consistency, stirring occasionally.
• Whisk in Red Pepper Puree and heat through.
• Stir in scallops, adjust seasoning and serve immediately.
• For Red Pepper Puree (makes about 1 cup).
• Melt butter in heavy small saucepan over low heat.
• Stir in all remaining ingredients, cover and cook until very soft, stirring occasionally, about 50 minutes.
• Uncover pan, increase heat to medium and stir until all liquid evaporates and peppers just begin to brown, about 10 minutes.
• Puree peppers through medium blade of food mill, discarding skins.
• Can be stored in the refrigerator 1 week or frozen.
• Peppers can also be charred and skins removed.
• Proceed with recipe and puree in blender or processor.

SEA SCALLOPS WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER SAUCE

Steps:

• Roast the peppers in a 400F oven until very dark; place in a paper bag for 15 minutes.
• Peel and remove seeds and ribs (don't do this under running water, you want all the flavor).
• Place in a blender or food processor and whirl until smooth.
• Place puree and next two ingredients in saucepan and cook for about five minutes.
• Stir the cream into mixture and cook to reduce (about five minutes).
• Season to taste and keep warm.
• Heat olive oil in a frying pan; add the scallops and cook on each side for about two minutes each.
• Transfer 2 scallops to each plate and garnish with pepper sauce.