RECIPE

Scallops with Saffron Cream and Turnip Greens

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 35 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4

Chef John Hikade uses 2 tablespoons of roasted garlic puree instead of the shallots when he makes his dish at Arborvine in Blue Hill, Maine.

  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME: 35 MIN
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • FAST

Ingredients

  • Ingredients
    1. 1 small pinch of saffron threads
    2. 2/3 cup heavy cream
    3. 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    4. 1 pound baby turnip greens, stems and thick inner ribs discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
    5. 24 large sea scallops (about 1 1/4 pounds)
    6. Salt and freshly ground pepper
    7. 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    8. 2 tablespoons minced shallot
    9. 1/4 cup dry vermouth

Directions

  1. In a small measuring bowl, crumble the saffron into the heavy cream. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil until shimmering. Add the turnip greens and cook over moderately high heat, tossing, until wilted and tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm. Wipe out the skillet.
  2. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet until shimmering. Season the scallops with salt and pepper and add them to the skillet in a single layer. Cook over high heat until browned on the bottom, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn and cook until lightly browned and opaque throughout, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer the scallops to a plate and pour off any oil in the skillet.
  3. Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the shallot and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until softened, about 1 1/2 minutes. Add the vermouth and cook, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until nearly evaporated. Add the saffron cream and simmer until thickened and slightly reduced, 3 to 4 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Mound the turnip greens on plates, top with the scallops and sauce and serve.