Jean Andersons Scallops Algarve Style Food

SEARED SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Place a layer of paper towels on top of a large plate or baking sheet and gently lay the sea scallops on top to rid them of any excess moisture. With the scallops still on the paper towel, grab a large pinch of kosher salt and sprinkle it from a foot or more over the scallops. The height will help distribute the salt evenly.
• Use a pepper grinder to crack fresh black pepper in the same manner, getting every scallop.
• Flip the scallops and season the other side. This is important!
• Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed stainless-steel saute pan over high heat. Do not use nonstick-you'll never achieve the proper caramelization!
• Wait.
• Wait.
• Watch as the pan begins to smoke.
• Now, carefully, because the pan and oil are very hot, use tongs or your fingers to place each scallop individually in the pan, leaving room between them. Once the scallops are in the pan, do not move them or the pan or turn the heat down. You're going to want to, because the pan will be hot and splattering and smoking, but resist! You're getting your hard sear. Don't interfere or the scallops will stick.
• After 2 minutes, use a spatula or tongs to gently turn one of the scallops and assess how dark the sear is. If it's dark brown and caramelized, it's ready to be flipped and seared on the other side for at least 2 minutes more to achieve an identical sear.
• When the scallops have been flipped and seared on both sides, they're fully cooked and ready to eat. Remove them from the pan using tongs or a spatula. Add the butter to the pan and a squeeze of lemon juice and scrape up the bit on the pan to create a sauce. Serve the scallops hot and topped with the pan sauce and another squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top.

EASY SCALLOP PASTA

Steps:

• Cut the orange corals from the scallops and finely chop them. Halve the white scallops to make 2 fat pieces and roll them up in the strips of prosciutto.
• Cook the pasta in salted water following pack instructions - it should only take about 4 mins. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, deep sauté pan and sear the scallops for 1-2 mins, to brown the prosciutto and lightly cook the scallop inside. Lift from the pan onto a warm plate and leave to rest.
• Add the garlic to the pan juices and fry, stirring, until golden. Tip in the chopped corals and thyme, and stir-fry for a few mins more. Add the lemon zest, juice and vermouth, let it bubble down to at least half, then toss in the parsley. Drain the pasta and add to the pan with salt and plenty of black pepper, then toss to make sure the strands are well coated. Add the prosciutto-wrapped scallops and serve drizzled with a little extra oil, if you like.

JEAN ANDERSON'S SCALLOPS, ALGARVE STYLE

Steps:

• Stir-fry the scallops and garlic in the oil in a large, heavy skillet over high heat for three to four minutes -- just until they begin to color and have released their juices. With a slotted spoon, place the scallops in a bowl and reserve them.
• Add lemon juice and cayenne to the skillet and boil with the scallop juices about two minutes until they have reduced to a glaze.
• Return the scallops to the skillet together with any juices that may have accumulated in the bowl and toss a minute or two over high heat.
• Add the coriander, toss again and serve.

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH FLAVOURED GREENS

Steps:

• Heat half the oil in a frying pan. Add the shallots, garlic and lemon zest, and fry gently until soft. Add the greens the anchovies, and cook for 5 mins until the leaves are wilted.
• Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a non-stick pan, then add the scallops and fry for 1-2 mins on each side. Add the butter and lemon juice to the pan and swirl until the butter melts and you have a glossy sauce. Divide the cabbage and scallops between 6 plates and serve with the pan juices spooned over.

VENETIAN-STYLE SCALLOPS

Steps:

• Rinse the scallops in cold water then pat dry with kitchen paper. With scissors, snip off the corals (the orange part) as closely as you can to the plump white scallop, and reserve. Scrub the scallop shells thoroughly and dry them.
• Remove the crusts from the bread and discard. Break the bread into smallish pieces, then pulse in the food processor to make into fine breadcrumbs. Tip into a large non-stick frying pan and toast the breadcrumbs over a moderate heat, stirring every now and then. When they are evenly browned, set aside.
• Brush any crumbs from the pan with kitchen paper then add the olive oil. When hot, add the scallops but not the corals. Fry over a moderate heat for 3 minutes on each side, then add the corals, chopped parsley and garlic and fry a further minute. If you have shelled your own scallops and saved some of their sweet juice, strain it through muslin to remove any sand then add it to the pan now and let it bubble over a high heat. Season to taste with salt and pepper, add the lemon juice and mix well.
• Spoon three scallops and their corals with some of the pan juices onto each of the cleaned shells, then scatter with the dry toasted breadcrumbs. Serve with the lemon wedges.