Simply Organic: A Cookbook for Sustainable, Seasonal, and Local Ingredients
Source: By Jesse Ziff Cool Published by Chronicle Books LLC Copyright 2007
This is a perfect dish for springtime, served with fresh rolls and a crisp white wine.
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 whole canned chipotle chile pepper, pureed or minced
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 pound sea scallops
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound asparagus, trimmed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Lime wedges for garnish
In a small bowl, combine the oil, lime juice, sugar, garlic, chile pepper, and cilantro. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
Remove and discard the tough muscle from the scallops.
In a small bowl, combine the cornmeal, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Toss the scallops in the cornmeal mixture and set aside.
Pour 1⁄2 cup water into a heavy skillet. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the asparagus. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 4 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Remove to a platter and keep warm.
Wipe the skillet and add the butter. Place over medium heat to melt the butter. Add the scallops and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned and opaque.
Divide the asparagus evenly among 4 plates. Top with the scallops. Drizzle with the chipotle dressing, and garnish with lime wedges.
Makes 4 servings
Kitchen Tip
Often scallops are soaked in sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) to help keep them moist. To avoid these chemical-laden scallops, look for scallops labeled Day Boat, Diver, Dry Pack or Chemical-Free. These scallops are more readily available these days and of course, are a much healthier choice. They may not be perfectly white and uniform in size, but those qualities are not natural to scallops; they are man-induced. As always, opt for the most natural products available. And as always, ask questions. The fishmonger should know exactly where the fish is from and how it has been treated.