Gratinated Scallops with Herbed Breadcrumbs Recipe
Category: Appetizer
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Scallops (fresh, cleaned) | 8 pieces |
| Bread (white or rustic) | 100g |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40g |
| Lemon zest | 1 lemon |
| Fresh parsley | to taste |
| Fresh thyme | to taste |
| Fresh marjoram | to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
Instructions:
For this classic Italian appetizer, Gratinated Scallops with Herbed Breadcrumbs, you’ll be creating a wonderfully crunchy breadcrumb topping with fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon zest to balance out the natural sweetness of the scallops. Here’s how you can easily recreate this dish in the comfort of your kitchen:
-
Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
Start by removing the crust from the bread (you can save the crust for making homemade croutons or breadcrumbs for another recipe). Once the crusts are removed, cut the bread into small cubes to make the process easier.Next, transfer the bread cubes into a food processor and pulse until you get coarse breadcrumbs. The texture should be slightly rough, perfect for creating a crunchy crust when baked.
-
Season the Breadcrumbs:
To your breadcrumbs, add the extra virgin olive oil, which will give the topping a rich, golden finish once baked. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, enhancing the flavor of the breadcrumbs.Now, the secret to this dish’s aromatic fragrance: fresh herbs. Add a handful of chopped parsley, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, and a touch of marjoram. This combination of herbs will bring freshness and depth to the topping. To finish off, grate the zest of one lemon and mix it into the breadcrumbs. The zest will add a citrusy brightness that perfectly complements the rich, buttery flavor of the scallops.
-
Assemble the Scallops:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F), and set it to convection mode if possible. Arrange the scallops in their shells (or a baking dish if you don’t have shells) in a single layer. If you’re using shells, you can slightly nestle each scallop into the shell for an elegant presentation. -
Top with Breadcrumbs:
Spoon the herbed breadcrumb mixture generously over each scallop. Ensure each piece is well-covered, as this will create that delightful golden crust when baked. The breadcrumbs will act as a flavorful crust, while the scallops will remain juicy and tender inside. -
Bake the Scallops:
Place the scallops in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the breadcrumbs turn golden and crispy. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid over-baking. You want a crispy exterior with a perfectly tender, succulent scallop inside. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once your gratinated scallops are perfectly golden and aromatic, remove them from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a light squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
These Gratinated Scallops with Herbed Breadcrumbs are perfect for a sophisticated appetizer that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. With a crispy, herb-infused topping and sweet, succulent scallops, this dish will leave your guests asking for more. Enjoy it with a chilled glass of white wine, and you’ve got yourself a perfect start to any meal.
This simple yet elegant dish is sure to make a lasting impression on your guests. The combination of fresh scallops, fragrant herbs, and zesty breadcrumbs makes for a truly delectable appetizer. For an added touch, you could even serve it alongside a crisp green salad for a light and refreshing first course.
