There’s something magical about the first sear on a delicate scallop-the caramelized crust crackling with flavour while the interior remains tender and buttery. Now, imagine elevating this seafood marvel with the fresh, grassy zest of spring ramps and the sweet, garden-fresh brightness of pea purée. Together,these vibrant elements create a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is indeed delicious,capturing the very essence of seasonal bounty.
In this article, we’ll explore how to master seared scallops paired with a lively ramp and pea purée, bringing a burst of color, texture, and flavor to your plate that’s perfect for any discerning palate.
Savor seared Scallops with Vibrant Ramp and Pea Purée offers a stunning convergence of delicate seafood, bright seasonal greens, and smooth, sweet purée that epitomizes spring on a plate. this dish combines the irresistible caramelization of perfectly seared scallops with the fresh and earthy notes of ramps, those wild spring onions treasured by chefs and foragers alike. Complemented by a lush pea purée, it’s an elegant yet approachable festivity of fresh flavors that will elevate any meal-from a cozy dinner party to a refined date night.
Prep and Cook Time
Preparation: 20 minutes | Cooking: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Difficulty Level
Medium – Ideal for home cooks looking to impress with a restaurant-quality seafood dish.
Ingredients
- 16 large sea scallops, patted dry, side muscle removed
- 1 bunch fresh ramps (about 10 ramps), cleaned and roughly chopped (separate leaves and bulbs)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas, thawed if frozen
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- microgreens or pea shoots for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pea purée: In a small saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté gently until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the peas and vegetable broth, then simmer for 5 minutes until peas are tender. Remove from heat.
- Blend the purée: transfer the pea mixture to a blender or food processor.Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter to enrich the texture.keep warm.
- Sauté the ramps: In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the minced garlic and ramp bulbs first, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Toss in the ramp leaves and sauté for another minute until just wilted. Season lightly with salt and remove from heat.
- Prepare the scallops: Make sure scallops are thoroughly dried with paper towels – moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the pan: Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon butter and allow it to foam but not brown.
- Sear the scallops: Place scallops gently in the pan, leaving space between each. Sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for another 1-2 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep the interior tender and juicy.
- Plate the dish: Spoon a generous amount of pea purée onto each plate. Arrange the sautéed ramps beside the purée, then nestle 4 scallops on top. Drizzle any pan juices carefully over the scallops to add depth and shine.
- Garnish and serve: Finish with a few microgreens or pea shoots for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Tips for Success
- Dry Your Scallops: Pat scallops dry thoroughly to ensure maximum browning and a gorgeous crust.
- Ramps Substitute: If ramps aren’t available,substitute with a combination of green onions and a clove of garlic for a similar flavor profile.
- Purée Consistency: For an extra smooth pea purée, pass the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
- Make Ahead: The pea purée can be prepared up to one day in advance and gently reheated before plating.
- Adjusting Flavors: A splash of white wine added to the pea purée while simmering adds extra brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé. For texture contrast, serve alongside a crunchy toasted baguette or a light arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.Adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a delicate drizzle of truffle oil can further elevate the flavours.
| Nutritional Facts (per serving) | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seared Scallops with Ramps & Pea Purée | 320 kcal | 32g | 20g | 12g |
Discover more recipes featuring fresh, seasonal produce for your next culinary adventure. For a deeper dive into sustainable seafood sourcing, visit Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.
Q&A
Q&A: Savor Seared Scallops with Vibrant Ramp and Pea Purée
Q1: What makes seared scallops the star of this dish?
A1: Seared scallops boast a delicate sweetness and a buttery texture that caramelizes beautifully when cooked correctly. Their golden crust contrasts with the tender interior, creating a luxurious bite that elevates any meal.Thay are truly the ocean’s tender jewels, perfect for a refined yet approachable dish.
Q2: Why choose ramps and peas for the purée?
A2: Ramps, with their wild garlicky essence, bring a fresh, elusive flavor that elevates the familiar sweet pea purée. This vibrant duo adds layers of aromatic brightness and earthiness, balancing the scallops’ richness. Together, they evoke the bounty of spring, infusing the plate with a lively green punch.
Q3: How do you prepare the ramps and pea purée for maximum flavor?
A3: start by blanching fresh peas to lock in their sweetness,then blend them with sautéed ramps-both leaves and bulbs-for an herbal,slightly pungent note. A splash of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil round out the purée with brightness and smoothness, creating a lush bed that harmonizes with the seared scallops.
Q4: What’s the secret to perfectly seared scallops?
A4: Pat your scallops dry to ensure a golden crust,then sear them in a hot pan with a touch of oil and butter. Resist crowding the pan and avoid overcooking-the goal is a crisp exterior that gently yields to a tender, almost creamy center. Timing and temperature are your best friends here!
Q5: Can this dish be adapted for a home cook who’s new to seafood?
A5: Absolutely! Keep things simple: source fresh, dry-packed scallops, and use store-bought frozen peas if ramps are unavailable. The purée can be whisked together quickly, and the scallops require minimal cooking time. With basic techniques, you’ll craft a restaurant-worthy plate that’s as rewarding as it is indeed delicious.
Q6: What wines or beverages pair well with this dish?
A6: Light, crisp white wines like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chablis complement the scallops’ sweetness and the purée’s fresh herbaceous notes. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water infused with cucumber and mint echoes the dish’s cool, green flavors, refreshing the palate between bites.
Q7: How does this dish celebrate seasonal ingredients?
A7: Seared scallops shine year-round, but the ramp and pea purée is a true ode to spring’s awakening. Ramps are a fleeting wild green, and sweet peas burst with vitality when fresh. This dish captures the essence of renewal and freshness,turning a simple seafood dinner into a celebration of nature’s cycles.
Q8: What creative twists could elevate this dish further?
A8: Consider garnishing with toasted hazelnuts or microgreens for crunch and contrast. A drizzle of browned butter infused with sage adds a nutty warmth, while a sprinkle of citrus zest can brighten the flavors even more. These small touches personalize the dish, making it uniquely yours.
Savor the simplicity and sophistication of seared scallops nestled atop a vibrant ramp and pea purée-a dish that’s both a feast for the eyes and the palate, inviting you to celebrate spring’s freshest gifts with every bite.
Concluding Remarks
As you savor the delicate sweetness of each seared scallop, beautifully complemented by the bright, verdant notes of ramp and pea purée, you’re not just enjoying a dish-you’re experiencing the harmonious dance of seasonal ingredients at their peak. This culinary trio celebrates simplicity and sophistication, inviting you to embrace fresh flavors and elevate your cooking with nature’s finest gifts.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, let this recipe inspire your next kitchen adventure, reminding you that great food is as much about passion and creativity as it is about technique. Bon appétit!
