Grilled scallops with Citrus Sauce and Cauliflower Puree

Recipe for Grilled Scallops with Citrus Sauce and Cauliflower Puree

Here's a detailed recipe to prepare this delicious dish in the comfort of your home.

Ingredients:

• 16 scallops fresh (medium-large), clean and dry
• 1 cauliflower (medium, cut into florets
• 100 ml of liquid cream to cook (optional: milk for a lighter version)
• 30 g butter, (optional: olive oil for a lighter version)
• Juice of 1 large orange
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 small bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Ground white pepper

Preparation:

1. Mashed Cauliflower Creamy: Cook the cauliflower florets, steamed or boiled in salt water until they are very tender. Drain well. In a saucepan, melt the butter (or heat the olive oil) over medium heat. Add the cooked cauliflower and cream (or milk). Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very soft and creamy. Blend with a hand blender or in a food processor until you get a fine purée and homogeneous. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Reserve warm.
2. Sauce of Citrus, Vibrant: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and orange zest. Cooking over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced slightly and has a slightly thick consistency and brilliant. Test and adjust the acidity and the sweetness according to your taste (you can add a dash of honey or sugar if you prefer a sauce less acidic). Reserve warm.
3. Grilled scallops are Perfect: Dry the scallops with paper towels. Season generously with salt and white pepper on both sides. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. When the iron is hot, place the scallops (be sure not to overload the plate to brown properly). Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown on the outside and opaque on the inside (but still juicy in the centre). The cooking time can vary according to the size of the scallops. I watch carefully close to prevent it from drying out!
4. Emplatado Elegant: It serves a portion of generous cauliflower puree on each plate. Place the grilled scallops on mashed potatoes. Sprinkle the scallops with citrus sauce hot. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to decorate and bring a touch of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious dish.

Nutritional information per Serving (approximate):

• Calories: 350-450 kcal (varies according to the quantities and specific ingredients)
• Proteins: 30-40 g
• Fat: 15-25 g (mainly healthy fats of the scallops and the olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 g (mainly of the cauliflower and the juices of citrus fruits)
• Fiber: 5-7 g

Note: This information is an estimate and may vary. For nutritional information accurate, consult the labels of the products specific and adjust amounts according to your needs.

Discover the magic of the grilled scallops

A dish that redefines elegance in the kitchen with its simplicity and sophistication. Imagine the smooth and juicy texture of the scallops perfectly cooked, warmed by the vivacity of a sauce of citrus, and the delicacy of a cauliflower puree. This is not just a dish, it is a culinary experience that stimulates the senses and nourishes the body, ideal for those looking for a main dish light, healthy and full of flavor.

In this article, we'll walk you through the recipe step by step, we will reveal the secrets to cooking scallops grilled to perfection, we will explore the history and benefits of this dish, and we'll provide you with creative ideas to take it to a higher level. Get ready to become a master of the grilled scallops!

A Journey Through the Taste: Origins and History of the Scallops

The scallops, these treasures of the sea with fan-shaped, have been appreciated in the worldwide cuisine for centuries. Its delicate flesh and a slightly sweet converts them into a star ingredient in diverse cuisines, from the refined French cuisine to vibrant pan-asian cuisine. Historically, the scallops were not just valued for its flavor, but also for their shells, which were used in the art, the decor and even as religious symbols. The veneration of the shell of st. james as a symbol of the Camino de Santiago is a clear example of their rich cultural history.

In terms of the grilled scallopsthis preparation stands out by its simplicity and by highlighting the natural flavor and texture of this popular seafood. If you can not track down a single source and the need for the scallops on the grill, the cooking technique to the iron is ancient and has been applied to different food cultures from around the world. The combination with sauces citrus is a modern twist that adds freshness and vivacity, probably inspired by the contemporary tendency to balance flavors is rich with acid touches and fresh. The addition of mashed cauliflower, instead of the classic potatoes, reflects an inclination toward lighter options and healthy, showing how a traditional dish can evolve to adapt to the tastes and trends.

Beyond Prescription: Discover a World of Possibilities with the Grilled Scallops

This dish grilled scallops with citrus sauce and mashed cauliflower is much more than a simple recipe; it is a gateway to a universe of flavors and possibilities culinary. We will explore together some of the aspects that will enrich your dining experience:

Health benefits of Scallops and Cauliflower:

Both ingredients are the star of this dish are the real allies for your health:

• Scallops: They are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for the construction and repair of tissues. They are rich in vitamin B12, which is crucial for nerve function and forming red blood cells, iodine is important for thyroid function, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant. In addition, they are low in saturated fat and calories.
• Cauliflower: This vegetable crucifer is a marvel nutrition. It is low in calories and carbohydrates, but rich in fiber, which promotes digestion and satiety. Provides vitamin C, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system, vitamin K, important for blood clotting, and folate, essential for cellular health. In addition, it contains plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties and anti-cancer.

Combine these two ingredients in a dish is not only delicious, but also a smart way to nourish your body with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants essential.

Creative variations of the Scallops to the Plate:

The recipe that we have just presented is an excellent base, but the kitchen is a playground for creativity. Here you have some ideas to customize your grilled scallops:

• Sauce of Citrus, Exotic: Experiment with different citrus fruits such as pink grapefruit, mandarin, or even yuzu to vary the nuances of the sauce. Add a touch of fresh ginger, grated or chile crushed red for a touch of spicy and aromatic.
• Mashed Cauliflower Aromatic: Infusiona mashed cauliflower with fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary or sage during cooking to give a scent to be more complex. Added a clove of roasted garlic to the puree for a more intense flavor. For a more luxurious, it includes a little bit of grated parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes.
• Touches of Crisp and Textures: Sprinkle almonds rolled toasted pine nuts or bread crumbs crunchy on the plate to add a contrast of texture interesting. A few capers fries or crunchy onion can also bring a touch salty, and crunchy.
• Stunning Presentation: Uses scallop shells empty and clean to serve the dish, creating a presentation more elegant and themed. Garnish with edible flowers or green shoots for a touch of color and freshness.

Suggestions of Pairings: The Perfect Wine for your Grilled Scallops:

To further enhance the experience of this dish, pick a wine that complements its delicate flavours and citrus. Here are some suggestions:

• Dry White wine and Mineral: An Albariño (galician, a Chardonnay without aging in barrels or a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire are excellent options. Their refreshing acidity and citrus notes and minerals harmonize perfectly with the scallops and the sauce of citrus.
• White wine with the Body and Fruity Notes: Viognier of the Rhone or a Pinot Blanc from Alsace can be a good alternative if you prefer a white wine with more body and fruity notes.
• Rosé wine is Dry and Elegant: A pink provencal dry and pale, with notes of red fruits and citrus, it can also be a pairing interesting and versatile.

Remember that the marriage is a matter of personal taste, so don't hesitate to experiment and discover your favorite combination!

Tips from the Chef for Grilled Scallops are Perfect:

To achieve a grilled scallops juicy and perfectly browned requires you to follow a few key tips:

• Drying Flawless: The main secret to a good golden is dry the scallops thoroughly with kitchen paper before cooking. Remove excess moisture allow to brown quickly instead of steaming.
• Irons Hot: Make sure that the griddle or skillet is very hot before adding the scallops. The intense heat is fundamental to caramelize the outside and create that golden crust so appealing.
• Don't Overload the Plate: Cooking the scallops in batches if necessary to avoid overloading the plate and the temperature drops too low. The scallops should have a space to brown properly.
• Cooking Fast and Accurate: The scallops are cooked very fast. Don't overcook in excess, as it will become rubbery and dry. 2-3 minutes per side is usually sufficient, depending on the size. Looking for a golden beautiful on the outside and an inner opaque but still moist.
• Resting Brief (Optional): Some chefs recommend leaving it to stand the scallops for a minute after cooking, so that the juices to be redistributed, and are even more tender.

Fun facts about the Scallops:

To finish, we will share some fascinating facts about these delicious bivalve molluscs:

• Blue Eyes Amazing: The scallops have a row of small, bright blue eyes along the edge of their shells. You can have up to 200 eyes! These eyes allow them to detect changes in light and movement, helping them to avoid predators.
• Swimming Stylish: Unlike other bivalves that remain fixed in the bottom of the sea, the scallops can swim by opening and closing their valves rapidly, pushing with jets of water.
• Hermaphrodite: Some species of scallops are hermaphrodites, meaning they have male and female reproductive organs.
• Sustainability: There are fisheries for scallops sustainably managed in various parts of the world. Look for scallops certified as sustainable to support responsible fishing practices.

Conclusion: A Plate for you to Enjoy and Share

The grilled scallops with citrus sauce and mashed cauliflower are a true gastronomic gem. Its balance of flavors, textures and nutritional benefits that make them an ideal option for an elegant meal, a special dinner or just to give yourself a whim healthy and delicious.

Now that you have all the secrets to prepare them to perfection, we invite you to go in the kitchen and experience the magic of this dish. Please share this recipe with your friends and family and sorpréndelos with your culinary skills!

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¡Buen provecho!