Seared Scallops & Cauliflower Grits

With the sunshine and warmer weather, an Easter weekend tradition in our house is to celebrate our love (and the food!) of the beautiful South Carolina Low Country. I usually serve a version of the classic Low Country dish, Shrimp and Grits, but, this year tried this scallop and cauliflower grits adaptation. We absolutely loved it!

This recipe was adapted from Joel Gamoran, Sur La Table National Chef, via Sur la Table.com. I puréed the vegetables instead of juicing them for the sauce, used riced cauliflower, and doubled the garlic. Amazing.

Yield: Makes 4 Servings

For the Cauliflower Grits:

• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds riced cauliflower
• 1 to 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (I used Parmigiano-Reggiano)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Scallops:

• 2 medium whole tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons canola or grape seed oil
• 16 sea scallops, patted dry
• 1 large shallot, minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Prepare the Cauliflower Grits: In the microwave, steam the riced cauliflower for 4 minutes, or until very tender.
2. Combine the steamed cauliflower with Parmesan, garlic, and enough cream cheese to achieve desired consistency.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
4. Prepare the Scallops: Combine the tomatoes, pepper and carrot in a Vitamix, food processor, or blender. Puree.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Season scallops with salt and pepper and add to pan in one layer. Sear the scallops for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden. Remove scallops to a platter.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and add remaining oil to skillet.
8. Add shallot and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
9. Add garlic and smoked paprika and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute.
10. Slowly whisk in puréed vegetables and bring to a boil.
11. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
12. To serve: Serve scallops on top of cauliflower grits with sauce spooned on top. Garnish with scallions and extra black pepper, as desired.

One Year Ago:

• Classic Shrimp & Grits

Two Years Ago:

• Shrimp with Fresh Corn Grits

Three Years Ago:

• Shrimp & Grits with Tomatoes

Four Years Ago:

• Hominy Grill’s Shrimp & Grits