Scallops with mint pesto sauce
4 servings
15 minutes
Scallops with mint pesto sauce are an exquisite dish of Italian cuisine, combining the freshness of seafood and the vibrant aroma of herbs. Scallops, seared to a golden crust, reveal their tender texture, while the mint pesto adds a zesty freshness with a hint of nuttiness. The dish evokes summer evenings on the Italian coast when the sea breeze mingles with Mediterranean culinary aromas. Pine nuts add crunch and richness to the flavor, while lemon juice highlights the natural sweetness of the scallops. This recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner or a meal with friends, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and gastronomic delight.
1
Prepare pesto sauce. In a blender, chop mint, a cup of oil, 3 tbsp of pine nuts, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Fresh mint: 140 g
- Olive oil: 0.3 glass
- Roasted pine nuts: 0.3 glass
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 1 clove
2
Grind for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth. Dilute with water if needed. Add salt and pepper.
- Coarse salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
3
Pat the sea scallops dry with a paper towel.
- Sea scallops: 450 g
4
Season with salt and pepper. In a large non-stick skillet, heat the remaining oil over medium heat. Sear the scallops on one side for about 3 minutes until browned.
- Coarse salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
- Olive oil: 0.3 glass
5
Flip and fry until they are no longer transparent, for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
6
Transfer to plates and drizzle with pesto sauce, garnishing with pine nuts on top.
- Roasted pine nuts: 0.3 glass