Scallops With Cured Ham And Saffron Food

SCALLOPS WITH COUNTRY HAM AND RED-EYE GRAVY

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the greens and cook until wilted. Divide evenly among the ramekins. Keep warm.
• In the same skillet, saute the scallops in 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat until brown, about 3 to 5 minutes on each side. Remove from the skillet and place on top of the greens. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. When hot, quickly saute the ham. Remove from the skillet and place on top of the scallops. Pour the water into the skillet and bring to a boil. Cook for about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits, until the liquid is reduced by about half. Pour the gravy over the ramekins. Serve immediately.

SAFFRON SCALLOP GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler. (If possible, position the broiler rack 3 inches from the heat.) Mix the breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, the parsley and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Soak the saffron in a separate small bowl with 1 tablespoon water.
• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick ovenproof skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the scallops, season with salt and sear until golden, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook 1 more minute; transfer to a plate (do not wipe out the skillet).
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the skillet. Add the onion and carrots, season with salt and cook until the onion is soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and paprika and stir until toasted, about 1 minute. Add the wine, scrape up any browned bits and cook until the liquid is almost evaporated, about 1 minute. Stir in 1 1/2 cups water, the saffron and soaking water, and any juices from the plate of scallops. Bring to a simmer and cook until about 1/4 inch of liquid remains, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt.
• Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the butter until melted. Return the scallops to the skillet, transfer to the broiler and cook, rotating the skillet as needed, until the scallops are firm, 1 to 2 minutes. Sprinkle the scallops with the breadcrumb mixture and continue to broil until browned, 1 to 2 more minutes, rotating as needed.

SCALLOPS WITH CURED HAM AND SAFFRON

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a skillet and saute the onion and parsley very slowly, about 10 minutes, until the onion just begins to color.
• Add the saffron, cook for a minute or two, then add the scallops and continue cooking over medium heat until the scallops are done, about five minutes.
• Stir in the ham and wine, lower the heat and cook for a minute or so until the sauce is slightly thickened. Serve right away.