Seared Scallops with Pea Purée (Printable Page)

# What You Need:

→ Pea Purée

01 - 2 cups (300 g) frozen peas
02 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
03 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable or chicken stock
05 - 2 tbsp heavy cream
06 - Salt and white pepper to taste
07 - 1 tsp lemon juice

→ Scallops

08 - 12 large sea scallops, side muscle removed
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1 tbsp olive oil
11 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Garnish (optional)

12 - Microgreens or pea shoots
13 - Lemon zest
14 - Cracked pink peppercorns

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add shallot and sauté until soft, about 2 minutes. Add peas and stock, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3–4 minutes until peas are tender. Transfer mixture to a blender, add cream, lemon juice, salt, and white pepper. Blend until smooth. If too thick, add a little more stock. Keep warm.
02 - Pat scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over high heat. When shimmering, add scallops and sear without moving for 2 minutes, until a golden crust forms. Flip scallops, add butter, and cook for another 1–2 minutes while spooning butter over the top. Remove immediately when opaque and just firm.
03 - Spoon a pool of warm pea purée onto each plate. Top with 3 scallops, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.

# Helpful Tips:

01 - For extra flavor, blend in a few fresh mint leaves with the purée.
02 - Serve with crusty bread or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
03 - Can be made as an appetizer with 2 scallops per plate.