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Posted on Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 4:01 a.m.

Seared Scallops over Butternut Squash Risotto requires good technique, but toothsome texture is the reward

By Peggy Lampman

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Seared Scallops over Butternut Squash Risotto

Peggy Lampman | Contributor

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Peggy Lampman's Friday dinnerFeed

This is my one of my absolute favorite recipes — honest to goodness, I adore this dish. But there's one little issue....

It requires a bit of technique. But I am confident you can master two simple processes without issue: The sear of the scallop and the simmer and stir of the risotto.

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Don't touch or move the pan for a full minute so the scallops develop a crust.

First, the sear: Heat your heaviest sauteacute; pan over medium-high to high heat for a minute before adding a thin layer of grape seed or canola oil. When the oil starts to shimmer, add your scallops to the pan.

Don’t touch the scallops for a full minute so they have time to develop a golden brown crust. If you think you are burning them, remove from the heat a few seconds and adjust the heat, but don't fiddle with the scallops. After they have developed a crust, reduce the heat to medium and cook an additional minute. Then raise the heat, turn them over with tongs and repeat the process. The scallops should be cooked through and slightly translucent in the center.

Second, the risotto: There is some mystique around risotto, but it's simple to master. I would advise using a heavy-bottomed pot, borrowing one from a friend if necessary. Risotto is easy to burn. Also, avoid multi-tasking when cooking the risotto. It needs liquid and a stir every 1-2 minutes.

You will want to taste the risotto toward the end of the cooking time. Don't necessarily trust the package recommended cooking time as it varies according to the age of the rice. In Italy, I've eaten risotto that was creamy but almost crunchy. The American palate, I've found, prefers risotto with less crunch, yet toothsome and creamy. Tasting the risotto will ensure you have the texture that you prefer.

Yield: 4 servings

Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

1 large (3 pound) butternut squash

3 1/2-5 cups chicken or vegetable stock

1 medium leek, white and light green part only, sliced and washed well

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup arborio (risotto) rice

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/3 cup grated Parmesan, optional*

1 tablespoon snipped chives plus 8 extra chives stems for garnish

2 tablespoons grape seed or canola oil

12 dry-packed scallops

*Some traditionalists don't like the flavor of Italian seafood-inspired dishes seasoned with Parmesan. I like the flavor of Parmesan in this dish, but I leave it to your discretion.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Halve squash lengthwise and discard seeds. Peel one half and cut into 1/2-inch dice. Place remaining half, cut side down,on an oiled shallow baking pan. Surround with diced squash. Lightly season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

3. Bake on middle rack of oven, turning diced squash once, until lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes. Remove diced squash and reserve. Continue baking squash half until it is easily pricked with a fork, an additional 15- 20 minutes. Scoop out flesh and coarsely chop.

4. Bring broth to a simmer.

5. In a heavy-bottomed stockpot, sauteacute; leeks in butter until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in rice and sauteacute;, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add wine. Simmer and stir until wine is absorbed.

6. Continue simmering and stirring and adding broth, about 1/4 cup at a time, adding more as liquid is absorbed, until half the broth has been added. Stir in coarsely chopped squash (reserving diced squash for later use) and continue simmering and adding broth as described until rice is creamy yet slightly firm to the bite, or to your palate.

7. Add reserved diced squash and stir briefly until just heated through. Stir in Parmesan, if desired, chopped chives and season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Cover.

8. As you are finishing your risotto, heat oil to medium high or high heat in large sauté pan. Gently pat scallops dry with paper towels and lightly season on one side with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. When oil is shimmering, sear the scallops until lightly browned on both sides and slightly translucent in the center.

9. Divide risotto between 4 plates and top each plate with 3 scallops. Knot chives together (see photo) for garnishing and immediately serve.

My new web site (packed with holiday recipes) is coming soon! But in the meantime, If you're looking for a specific recipe, click here for dinnerFeed's recipe search engine; type the recipe or ingredient into the search box. I am a real-time food writer and photographer posting daily feeds on my website and in the Food & Drink section of Annarbor.com. You may also e-mail me at peggy@dinnerfeed.com.

Comments

Mary Bilyeu

Fri, Oct 14, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.

What a perfectly gorgeous picture for a dreary rainy day! The risotto looks, sounds amazing - ideal autumn food. You and I *are* dreaming of the same fabulous foods!