Appetizers

Sauteed scallops with lentil sauce

⏱ 20 min🍳 15 min👤 10 pp★★★☆☆

These sauteed scallpos with lentils sauce are perfect for your festive moments, when you enjoy cooking and gathering friends and relatives around a table. For Christmas or Easter, for instance, it can be nice to combine and serve traditional dishes together with innovative foods. These sauteed scallops are exactly a original and sophisticated idea perfect for a festive moment, such as a S.Valentine dinner or any other particular celebration.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 280 kcal / serving

Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
3g
Fiber
8g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Preparation time
15 minutes Cooking time
Serves 10 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Break and clean the scallops. Cook each of them in a pan with salt, pepper and olive oil, without moving them and over a high heat. When the underside is brown and caramelized, set aside. In the meanwhile, cook your lentils with a minced clove of garlic and some parsley finely chopped. Once your lentils are cooked, add a glass of warm water and mix. Pour the sauce back in your pan, and cook until simmers, adding salt if necessary. To serve, pour a spoon of sauce on a warm individual plate and arrange one scallop over it. Garnish with a spring of parlsey.

Tips
Avoid the use of aluminium pans to cook your lentils! It's better to use a non stick pan!
Trivia
Lentils are rich in vitamins A, B and C, in proteins, mineral salts and oils.

Step by step

Sautéed garlic, parsley and anchovy
Sautéed garlic, parsley and anchovy
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Scallops on lentil cream with a touch of black pepper

One of the most appreciated variations of scallops on lentil cream includes the addition of a touch of freshly ground black pepper, which further enhances the delicate flavor of the scallops and the cream. To prepare this variation, simply follow the basic recipe and, before serving, sprinkle the scallops with a generous dose of black pepper. This ingredient not only enriches the dish with a spicy note but also creates an interesting contrast with the sweetness of the lentils. The pairing is perfect for those who love bold flavors and want to give an extra kick to this already tasty preparation. Try this variation and discover a new way to appreciate scallops and lentils!

Scallops on Venetian lentil cream

In Veneto, scallops on lentil cream are prepared with a special touch that reflects the local culinary tradition. Here, the lentils are cooked with aromatic herbs typical of the region, such as rosemary and thyme, which add depth to the flavor of the cream. Additionally, it is common to pair them with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to further enhance the ingredients. This dish, often served during holidays, represents a perfect balance between sea and land, paying homage to the resources of the Veneto territory. Tasting this variation is a way to immerse oneself in the local gastronomic culture and discover the authentic flavors of Veneto.

Scallops on light lentil cream without butter

For those who are mindful of their figure, there is a light version of scallops on lentil cream, prepared without butter. In this variation, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is used to sauté the scallops and to give creaminess to the lentil preparation. Additionally, it is possible to replace the cream with a bit of vegetable broth to achieve a similarly velvety cream but with fewer calories. This dish thus becomes perfect for those following a balanced diet without sacrificing taste. The scallops remain a food rich in protein and low in fat, while lentils provide fiber and essential nutrients, making this recipe ideal for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Benefits of scallops and lentils in the diet

Scallops are a food rich in high-quality protein, B vitamins, and minerals such as selenium and zinc, which are important for the immune system. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Lentils, on the other hand, are an excellent source of fiber and plant-based protein, making them an ideal food for those following a balanced diet. Additionally, they are rich in iron and folic acid, useful for maintaining high energy levels. On average, a serving of scallops on lentil cream provides about 350-400 calories, depending on the seasonings and portions, making it a nutritious and satisfying option.

Can scallops on lentil cream be frozen?

Freezing scallops on lentil cream is not recommended, as the texture of the scallops may deteriorate during the thawing process. However, if you wish to prepare the dish in advance, we suggest freezing the cooked lentils and the scallops separately. The lentils can be stored in an airtight container and frozen without issues. When you are ready to serve the dish, simply thaw the lentils and sauté the fresh scallops at the moment. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and fresh dish without compromising the quality of the ingredients.