Carrot Coulis Recipes

SEARED SEA SCALLOPS WITH SPICY CARROT COULIS

Steps:

• Make the coulis: Put carrots, garlic, onion, vinegar, cayenne, salt, honey and broth in a saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until carrots are very soft, about 15 minutes. Purée all ingredients thoroughly in a blender and strain if necessary - it should be very smooth. Taste, and adjust seasoning. Coulis should not be too thick, but rather similar to a thin milkshake. Keep warm if not made ahead.
• Prepare the scallops: Set 2 wide cast-iron skillets or a large griddle over medium-high heat. When pan is hot, film with olive oil. As oil heats and just before cooking, season scallops with salt and pepper on both sides. When oil is wavy, place scallops in pan without crowding. Leave scallops undisturbed to brown well and crisp on one side, about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until cooked through, but juicy. Place scallops browned side up on paper towels to blot bottoms.
• To serve, ladle about 1/4 cup warm coulis onto individual warmed dinner plates. Set scallops on top, browned side up. Sprinkle with cilantro, chives and sliced chiles. Serve with lime wedges.

PAPRIKA SEARED SALMON WITH CARROT-GINGER PUREE AND RED PEPPER COULIS

Steps:

• To make the ginger-carrot puree: In a small saucepot, combine the carrots, ginger, stock, and season with salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, and cook until carrots are soft. Strain the mixture, reserving the liquid. Puree the carrots in a blender using orange juice and cooking liquid to correct or adjust the consistency. Season the mixture with orange zest, salt, and pepper. Keep warm until ready to serve.
• To make the red pepper coulis: In a medium saute pan, heat the oil and begin to sweat the onions, add the red peppers, and cook until softened. Add the wine and simmer to reduce until dry. Add the stock and cook until the mixture is reduced by half. Strain, reserving liquid. Puree the peppers and add the liquid bit by bit to create a smooth puree. Season the coulis with salt, and pepper, to taste. Mix in the chopped parsley, and set aside.
• To make the salmon: Heat a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let heat. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and paprika and sear until almost cooked through, about 7 minutes. Turn over the fillets and cook them 2 minutes more.
• To serve the salmon, cover each plate with 1/2 of the ginger-carrot puree and 1/2 of the red pepper coulis and top with a salmon filet. Serve with Asparagus, Fennel, and Corn Saute.
• Heat a medium saute pan over high heat. When the pan is hot, add the butter and let slightly brown. Add the asparagus, corn, and fennel, and toss to heat through. Taste, and then season with salt, and pepper, if necessary.

CARROT COULIS

Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat oil over low heat. Add carrot, onion, celery, and leek. Cook, until the vegetables are soft but not brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Add the sachet, and enough chicken stock to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer, cooking until almost all of the liquid has evaporated, about 30 minutes.
• Working in batches no larger than 2 cups, puree vegetables in a blender until very smooth. Let stand until cool. Measure 1/2 cup, and add carrot juice. Season with lime juice, salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce. Reserve remaining puree for another use.

CRAB SALAD IN CARROT COULIS

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, combine crab, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice. Toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper; set aside. In a medium bowl, toss frisee with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
• Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons carrot coulis into the center of 4 shallow soup bowls. Spread the coulis in a 4-inch circle. Place a 3-inch ring mold in the center of the coulis. Divide crab between the molds and top each with a small spoonful of mousseline. Carefully remove the ring. Top each plate with one-quarter of the frisee. Serve immediately.