Fresh scallop season is now officially over. It runs from November through March. But that did not stop me from buying some (previously frozen) scallops from The market last week. Our Friday night dinner was a simple one of flour dusted scallops with angel hair pasta coated with a pesto made from parsley instead of basil and pistachios instead of pine nuts.
After a week of putting the cottage back together, it was a relief to cook something simple. It’s a shame that things will not just stay put together though. The pollen is so heavy this year that I am heading back out to the porch today to clean and vacuum again. Sigh.
At least we had a few leftovers for lunch over the weekend. I think you will love this dish. The scallops are sweet and the pasta is one that I could eat all by itself. The lemon and parley accented freshness makes it feel light and decadent at the same time. This is perfect for an easy meal for two.
SCALLOPS WITH PARLEY, PISTACHIO PASTA ( adapted from Cooking Light )
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped pistachios
The zest of 1 lemon
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1/8 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 pound of sea scallops
1/4 cup flour
Salt to taste
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups hot cooked angel hair pasta (about 4 ounces uncooked pasta)
Pasta water as needed
Place first 8 ingredients in a food processor, and process until mixture is smooth, scraping sides of bowl occasionally.
Combine scallops, flour and salt in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal and shake to coat.
Heat butter and oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops and cook 3 minutes on each side or until done.
Combine parsley mixture and pasta in a large bowl. tossing gently. Add a little pasta water if it is dry. Arrange pasta on a platter and top with scallops. 2 servings with enough for leftovers.
First of all, I love all the cute things your have in your candle bell, Penny!
And then…what a super idea to use pistachios, which hands down are my favorite nut. And I think I read someplace, the least in calories.
Simple, but elegant dinner!
As I went about my morning routine I was thinking of what to make for supper – it’s my Jazzercise night and we don’t eat until I get home. That means a late supper, so it needs to be simple. All I need for this is the pistachios and scallops, and I’m looking forward to my after-exercise reward!
This sounds delicious!
The dish sounds delicious and the scallops look perfectly cooked – after I ate them, I’d share the pasta with others 🙂
This is an easy, but delicious looking dish.I love easy meals like this especially with the warm weather that’s here already.
I also really like your platter-very pretty!
Scallops, pistachios and pesto – sounds delicious. Definitely going to make soon.
What a lovely dish Penny. I adore scallops. I suspect our pollen is knee deep too and we won’t be getting home until next month. It will only be worse….
Sam
I have finally learned how to cook scallops without over-doing it…. I wish I had a fork handy…and since I do not, I will have to prepare this myself!
This dish makes me wish I took advantage of scallop season! I’m writing down this recipe because it sure looks simple to make and delicious!