Seared Scallops with Sweet Potato Soup

Description

I just tried this tonight, and it was the perfect fall recipe! Warm, filling, and simple. The savory scallops complement the slightly sweet soup. Top with some whole grain crackers and you have an excellent meal. This recipe is great for your full meal, or in smaller servings as a starting course. Vegetarians and vegans may substitute marinated meat substitute (please do not add salt) for the scallops, soy milk for cow’s milk, and olive oil for the butter.

Ingredients

  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 (1/4 inch thick) slice fresh ginger
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 pound sea scallops
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Place a steamer insert into a saucepan
  2. and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Cover
  3. and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the sweet potatoes
  4. cover
  5. and steam until easily pierced with a fork
  6. 15 to 20 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile
  8. melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and ginger slice. Cook and stir until the flour has turned golden brown
  9. 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in the vegetable broth
  10. brown sugar
  11. nutmeg
  12. and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat whisking constantly
  13. then reduce heat to medium-low
  14. and simmer 10 minutes. Add the steamed sweet potatoes and simmer 5 minutes more.
  15. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and ginger slice. Pour the soup into a blender
  16. filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel
  17. and carefully start the blender
  18. using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth and pour into a clean pot. Whisk in the milk and cook over low heat until hot.
  19. While the soup is reheating
  20. season the scallops with salt and pepper. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to brown. Cook the scallops in the hot butter until browned and crispy on the outside
  21. but no longer translucent on the inside
  22. about 3 minutes total depending on the size of the scallops.
  23. Ladle the soup into 4 bowls
  24. and lay the scallops on top of the soup. Sprinkle with a little cayenne pepper to serve.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Servings: 4

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