Indulging in a dish of scallops paired with a rich and creamy spinach sauce is a culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds. This delightful recipe not only highlights the sweet, tender flavor of scallops but also incorporates the nutritious benefits of spinach, making it a perfect choice for a sophisticated dinner or a cozy family meal.
Preparing the Flavor Base
Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of high-quality olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add 2 large shallots, finely chopped, 4 cloves of garlic, minced, and 1 small jalapeño, diced. Sauté these ingredients, stirring occasionally, until the shallots become tender and translucent, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial as it builds a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Incorporating Spinach and Cream
Next, zest 1 large lemon directly into the skillet, reserving the lemon for later use. Then, add one 10-ounce package of frozen spinach, ½ cup of heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Cover the skillet and allow the mixture to cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is fully thawed and heated through, which may take between 8 to 12 minutes depending on the form of spinach used.
Cooking the Scallops
While the spinach mixture is cooking, prepare the scallops. Season 1 pound of dry sea scallops (ensuring the side muscle is removed and they are patted dry) with salt. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. If necessary, cook the scallops in two batches, placing them in the pan with enough space between each. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Flip the scallops and remove the pan from heat, letting them sit until they are opaque throughout, which should take an additional 9 to 11 minutes.
Blending the Sauce
Once the spinach mixture is ready, transfer it to a blender. Add ¼ cup of hot water and blend until the sauce is smooth and vibrant green. If the sauce appears too thick, feel free to add up to an additional ¼ cup of water. Squeeze the juice from half of the reserved lemon into the blender and blend again to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice or salt as desired.
Serving the Dish
To serve, divide the creamy spinach sauce among plates and elegantly place the perfectly cooked scallops on top. This dish not only looks stunning but also offers a delightful combination of flavors that will impress anyone at your table. Enjoy your meal!