Special Diet Information
Coumadin® (Warfarin)
This recipe is NOT safe for Coumadin (warfarin) users.
Lactose
This recipe is safe for those who are lactose intolerant.
Sodium
This is a low sodium recipe.
GERD / Acid Reflux
This recipe contains GERD triggers and those with GERD may wish to avoid it.
Gluten Sensitivity
This recipe is safe for those who are sensitive to gluten.
"Parsley - the jewel of herbs, both in the pot and on the plate."
- Albert Stockli, Chef
The refrigerator light goes on...
This is really a fabulous dish with the soft texture and flowery flavor of the warm potato salad complemented by the seared sea scallops. It's a simple dish that can easily be served for a weeknight meal since the whole thing takes all of a half hour (OK, you do have to roast the garlic first, but you should have that around the house for other recipes).
Sea Scallops
What you purchase in the market are actually the muscle that holds the two shells of the scallop together. Sea scallops are about 1 1/2 inches in diameter and should be a translucent beige, creamy color. Some will be slightly pink. (See also Bay Scallops.)
The best quality is "dry" or "dry pack" sea scallops. These are packed in muslin bags and kept on ice.
Because scallops don't live well out of water (as clams or oysters can) they are shucked when caught and kept chilled on board the fishing boat. Day boat scallops are the freshest and are so named because they are delivered to market the day of harvest.
If they are wet or white looking, they have been soaked in water to increase their weight. For years, many scallops have been treated with sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). These chemicals help to retain the natural moisture, but in excess, STP promotes the absorption of water into the scallop. This can increase the weight by as much as 25% and makes for a wet gummy scallop. The STP-treated scallops take on a white, opaque appearance and have a bitter chemical flavor. Look for scallops labeled "chemical free."
4 ounces sea scallops = 100 calories, <1g fat, 0g sat fat, 0g mono fat, 19g protein, 3g carbohydrates, 182mg sodium, 37mg cholesterol
Seared Sea Scallops with Potato Viniagrette
Servings = 2 | Serving size =4 ounces scallops wth potatoes
Cooking Time = 30 Minutes
This recipe can be multiplied by 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
This recipe also requires making Roasted Garlic
This recipe does not make very good leftovers.
Serve with Spiced Snap Peas or Pan Grilled Broccoli or Pan Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans with Red Onion or Sauteed Leeks or Sauteed Leeks - Low Sodium Version
| 3 quarts | water |
| 12 ounces | Yukon Gold potatoes |
| 3 cloves | roasted garlic |
| 2 Tbsp | olive oil |
| 1 Tbsp | white wine vinegar |
| 1/4 tsp | salt |
| fresh ground black pepper (to taste) | |
| 1 tsp | fresh tarragon |
| 1/2 tsp | sugar |
| 1/4 cup | flat leaf parsley (finely chopped) |
| spray olive oil | |
| 8 ounces | sea scallops |
Place the water in a large stock pot over high heat.
Add the potatoes to the stock pot. Cover with water by about an inch. Bring to boil and then reduce heat until the water is simmering.
Cook the potatoes about 15 – 20 minutes until slightly soft in the middle. They should only slightly resist a small knife poked in the center.
While the potatoes are cooking place the roasted garlic in a medium glass bowl. Mash with a fork and add 1 tablespoon olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, tarragon, sugar and parsley. Stir until well blended.
Remove from heat and drain water. Run cool water into the pot and let stand for about 5 minutes. Remove the potatoes and let drain on a paper towel. Cut into a 1/4 inch dice.
Add the diced potatoes to the vinaigrette and toss well. Place the bowl in the microwave in preparation for the last step.
Place a large skillet over high heat and add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add the scallops and cook on one side for 6 – 8 minutes. Turn and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes.
In the last minute heat the potato salad in the microwave so that it is warm. Divide between two plates.
Top the potato salad with the cooked scallops and then spread equally among all scallops the 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Serving size = 4 ounces scallops with potatoes
Servings = 2
Amount Per Serving
| Calories 344 | Calories from Fat 130 |
| % Daily Value |
| Total Fat 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat 2g | 10% |
| Monounsaturated Fat 10g | |
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 37mg | 12% |
| Sodium 486mg | 20% |
| Total Carbohydrates 31g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber 3g | 12% |
| Sugars 3g | |
| Protein 22g |
| Vitamin A 14% | Vitamin C 46% |
| Calcium 6% | Iron 12% |
| Vitamin K 136 mcg | Potassium 1175 mg |
| Magnesium 104 mg | |