Pan Seared Sea Scallops With Cauliflower Purée And Fried Capers Recipe Finecooking

SCALLOPS WITH CAULIFLOWER PUREE

Steps:

• Prepare the scallops by patting with a paper towel and placing on a plate, uncovered, in the fridge till ready to use. This allows them to get really dry while you prep the cauliflower.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place cauliflower florets and garlic cloves in a single layer on a sheet pan, tossing with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
• Meanwhile heat olive oil and butter (or ghee) in a large skillet or cast iron pan on medium high heat. Get the pan hot (but not smoking) so you'll get a nice sear right away. Space the scallops out so they sear and don't steam, even if it means cooking in batches. Sprinkle the scallops with pepper but hold off on the salt to taste - I personally don't season mine as I find them naturally salty.
• Add the scallops and don't touch them for 1 1/2-2 minutes. Check one to see if a nice brown crust has formed. If so, turn and leave them for about 60-90 seconds more. Remove scallops from pan and set aside.
• Meanwhile, toss the roasted cauliflower and garlic into a food processor or blender. Add warm milk and blend, using a tamper to press down and get it nice and smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
• Spoon the cauliflower puree onto a plate and place scallops on top. Garnish with parsley. See the recipe notes for an extra sauce idea!

PAN SEARED SCALLOPS WITH CAULIFLOWER AND BALSAMIC SYRUP

Steps:

• Reduce balsamic vinegar over low heat until it is the consistency of syrup, about 1/4 cup.
• Keep warm.
• Cook cauliflower florets for about one minute in boiling salted water, then put on ice to stop the cooking and retain color.
• Reserve one cup of the florets.
• Put the other cup into a saucepan, cover it with 1/4 cup of cream and cook for about 8 minutes.
• Puree in a blender or push through a fine sieve and keep warm.
• Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small sauté pan, and when heated add the scallops that have been seasoned with salt and pepper.
• Cook over moderately high heat, high enough to get a nice caramelized sear, on each side for 1-3 minutes, until cooked through.
• In another small sauté pan, brown 1 1/2 tablespoons butter slightly, then add the cup of florets that were not pureed.
• Cook for one minute or two browning the cauliflower slightly.
• Add the toasted, slivered almonds, then the capers, golden raisins and chopped parsley.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• In the center of a plate, put half the cauliflower puree.
• Arrange the cauliflower-caper-raisin mixture on top of the puree as a bed for the scallops.
• Top with half the scallops, then drizzle the plate with the reduced balsamic vinegar.
• Repeat with second plate.