Scallops in Creamy Herb Sauce 🍲
Overview:
- Name: Scallops in Creamy Herb Sauce
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Description: Quick and easy, yet elegant enough for guests. A co-worker gave me this recipe, she got it at a cooking class. Recipe should serve 4, unless it’s my husband and I, then it only serves 2.
- Recipe Category: < 30 Mins
- Keywords: Stove Top
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 244.7 per serving
- Fat: 11.3g
- Saturated Fat: 6.6g
- Cholesterol: 67.7mg
- Sodium: 281.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 7.2g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Sugar: 0.4g
- Protein: 20.6g
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Scallops |
| 2/3 | White Wine |
| 1/3 | Water |
| 1 | Salt |
| 1/4 | Fresh Ground Pepper |
| 2 | Butter |
| 1 | Flour |
| 1/2 | Fresh Tarragon, chopped |
| 1/2 | Fresh Chives, chopped |
| 1/2 | Fresh Parsley, chopped |
| 1/2 | Fresh Dill, chopped |
| 2/3 | Half-and-Half |
| NA | Paprika |
Instructions:
- Prepare Scallops:
- If using large scallops, cut them in half.
- Simmer Scallops:
- In a medium saucepan, bring white wine, water, salt, and fresh ground pepper to a gentle simmer.
- Add the scallops and cook for 4-6 minutes until they are tender and semi-opaque.
- Remove the scallops with a slotted spoon and set aside, but do not discard the cooking liquid—reserve it for the sauce.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Gradually blend in the flour to create a smooth paste.
- Slowly whisk in the reserved cooking liquid from the scallops, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to let the sauce brown.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked scallops to the saucepan with the creamy sauce.
- Gently heat through, ensuring the scallops are coated with the sauce.
- Serve the scallops hot, either in patty shells or alongside rice or pasta.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle the dish with paprika for a vibrant garnish.
- Alternatively, you can use a mix of fresh chopped herbs like tarragon, chives, parsley, and dill for a burst of flavor and color.
Tips and Serving Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas:
- These Scallops in Creamy Herb Sauce pair wonderfully with a bed of fluffy rice or al dente pasta.
- For an elegant presentation, serve the scallops in delicate puff pastry shells.
- A side of steamed asparagus or a crisp green salad would complement the dish beautifully.
- Wine Pairing:
- The creamy herb sauce begs for a crisp white wine like a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- The wine you used in the cooking, such as a dry white, can also be a perfect match for the meal.
- Enhance the Flavor:
- Feel free to customize the herb mix according to your preferences.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the scallops before serving adds a zesty brightness to the dish.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner:
- With its short preparation time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something indulgent yet fuss-free.
- For Two or Four?:
- Adjust the serving size depending on your appetite—this recipe can easily be doubled or halved to suit your needs.
- When it’s just you and your loved one, this dish becomes an intimate dinner for two, rich in flavor and elegance.
About the Recipe:
This Scallops in Creamy Herb Sauce recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, making it a delightful addition to your repertoire of quick and elegant meals. The creamy sauce, infused with the freshness of tarragon, chives, parsley, and dill, envelops tender scallops in a blanket of flavor. Whether served nestled in puff pastry shells, atop a mound of pasta, or alongside fragrant rice, these scallops are sure to impress. Take a culinary journey with this recipe, inspired by a cooking class gem shared among friends—a true testament to the joy of good food and great company.
