Scallop And Beetroot Food

GRILLED SEA SCALLOPS WITH YELLOW BEETS, CUCUMBERS AND LIME

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place beets in a baking dish with an inch of water. Tightly cover baking dish and roast for 1 hour or so, until beets are soft enough to yield to a fork and skins easily rub off. Peel beets, let them cool, then dice into 1/2-inch cubes. Alternatively, peel and dice raw beets, then simmer in salted water for 20 to 30 minutes, until tender. (Beets may be cooked up to a day in advance.)
• Put scallops on a baking sheet, pat dry and season on both sides with salt and pepper. Drizzle or paint very lightly with olive oil, just to coat the surface. Leave at room temperature for 15 minutes to absorb seasoning. (Or refrigerate up to 6 hours in advance; bring to room temperature before proceeding.)
• Put onions, ginger and lime juice in a mixing bowl with a big pinch of salt. Let macerate for 10 minutes or so, then add beets and cucumber to bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss to coat well with juices. Leave to marinate, tossing occasionally, for at least 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes.
• Prepare a bed of medium-hot coals for grilling or heat a stovetop grill pan. Lay the scallops on the grill and let them crisp gradually, for 5 minutes or so. Don't try to turn them until they are well browned or they'll stick. Flip and cook for 2 or 3 minutes more, until cooked through, but juicy.
• Transfer scallops to a serving dish in one layer. Spoon beets and cucumbers over the scallops and sprinkle with dill, mint and chives. Squeeze a little more lime juice over everything and drizzle with good fruity olive oil.

PAN FRIED SCALLOPS WITH BEETROOT AND WALNUT OIL

Steps:

• Cook the beetroot in advance, and bring it back to room temperature if cooked the day before.
• Peel, and slice into 1/4" thick slices.
• Dress with the oil, vinegar, salt& pepper.
• Steep to allow the flavours to infuse for 20 minutes or so, before arranging on plates, spooning over some of the dressing.
• Melt the butter with equal amount of olive oil in a heavy frying pan.
• When the pan is very hot, cook the pink scallop roe first for 1 minute (disregard if you are using prepared scallops), then add the white meat for 45 seconds each side, then turn off heat.
• Season with salt& black pepper.
• SERVE AT ONCE!
• Putting the scallop slices on the beetroot, and scatter the chopped chives on the beetroot.
• Pour Chardonnay wine to accompany.