Scallops Provençale
🕒 Total Time: 15 minutes
🥘 Recipe Category: European
🔍 Keywords: Very Low Carbs, < 15 Mins
🍽️ Servings: 2
Description:
Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite recipe for Scallops Provençale sourced from the esteemed Epicurean magazine. Indulge in the delectable flavors of succulent scallops complemented by the aromatic essence of garlic, tomatoes, and fragrant basil. This dish offers a tantalizing twist by forgoing butter, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a lighter option, particularly when paired with pasta.
Ingredients:
- 1 sea scallops
- 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tomato
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 fresh basil leaf
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 366.5
- Fat: 18.8g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 370.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1.7g
- Protein: 39g
Recipe Instructions:
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Preparation: Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Ensure that your skillet is non-stick and large enough to accommodate the scallops in a single layer.
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Searing the Scallops: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over high heat until it reaches the desired temperature—hot but not smoking. Once heated, carefully add the scallops to the skillet, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer. Sear the scallops for approximately 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown hue and are just cooked through. Exercise caution to avoid overcooking, as scallops can become tough if cooked for too long.
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Keeping Warm: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the seared scallops to a small platter, ensuring they are kept warm by loosely covering them with foil or a lid. This step ensures that the scallops retain their warmth and succulence until ready to serve.
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Cooking the Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil. Reduce the heat to moderate and add the minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic, stirring continuously, until it turns a pale golden color, releasing its fragrant aroma and infusing the oil with its essence.
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Adding Tomato and Thyme: Introduce the diced tomato and dried thyme to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic-infused oil. Allow the mixture to cook for approximately 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld together and the tomatoes to soften slightly. Season the tomato mixture with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing its savory profile and adding depth to the dish.
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Assembling the Dish: With the tomato mixture ready, spoon it generously over and around the seared scallops, ensuring each scallop is coated in the flavorful sauce. Finally, sprinkle the dish with freshly torn basil leaves, imparting a vibrant pop of color and an aromatic finish that tantalizes the senses.
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Serve and Enjoy: Plate the Scallops Provençale with your preferred accompaniments, such as al dente pasta or a crisp salad, to complete the meal. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for an added touch of elegance. Serve immediately and savor each bite of this culinary masterpiece, relishing in its exquisite flavors and sophisticated simplicity.
Indulge in the culinary delights of Scallops Provençale—a dish that marries the freshness of seafood with the rich flavors of the Mediterranean, creating a memorable dining experience that is both satisfying and soul-nourishing.
