Appetizers

Scallops au Gratin

⏱ 45 min👤 6 pp★★☆☆☆

There are some delicacies that should be eaten at special occasions when you are entertaining guests with refined tastes, the sort of people who like to be surprised by culinary creativity, and love trying out unusual ingredients and culinary combinations. Never failing in our quest to pursue the traditional aromas and flavours of specialties from all the regions of Italy, today we decided to test ourselves by making some delicious scallops au gratin - but reinterpreting them by adding a touch of spring, and thereby impressing you all the more! What is our trump card for a dish so special? We hit upon the idea of a beautiful bed of vegetables, a little bit of springtime, to match a gratin made with fresh herbs – all intended to remind you of a light summer rain shower, full of the scent of a season to make you daydream.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 220 kcal / serving

Protein
22g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
12g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
45 minutes Preparation time
Serves 6 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Clean the scallops and set aside the deeper half of the shell. If you have never cleaned scallops the chef in this section has dedicated a page of cooking school on how to clean them. Peel the vegetables and cut everything into julienne strips. Prepare the gratin topping by combining the chopped herbs with the breadcrumbs, flour, salt and plenty of oil. Add white wine until the gratin achieves a soft consistency. Toss the vegetables in a large pan over a high heat. After a minute, add the salt and sugar. Pour in the rum and flambé for a few seconds. Remove from the heat. Place the empty scallop shells on a baking sheet and divide the julienned vegetables equally between the shells. Place the scallops on the vegetables and sprinkle thoroughly with the gratin. Before baking, add a bit of butter to each scallop. Cook for 15 minutes at 200°C in the oven and then for 2 minutes under the grill. Your fresh and tasty scallops au gratin are ready!

Tips
If you want to give a touch of exclusivity to your scallops au gratin, you could use some cognac to assist in keeping the mollusc dry.
Trivia
The scallops are among the most delicious and well-loved molluscs, known in many other parts of the world as ‘coquille Saint Jacques’.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Gratinated Scallops with Mixed Vegetables

The Gratinated Scallops can be enhanced with a selection of mixed vegetables, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also colorful and nutritious. By using ingredients such as red peppers, zucchini, carrots, and asparagus, you can give a new dimension to this classic seafood dish. The combination of vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also adds a variety of textures, making each bite interesting. To prepare them, simply sauté the vegetables in a pan before mixing them into the gratin, so they blend perfectly with the scallops. This dish is perfect for an elegant dinner or a night with friends, ensuring a rich and satisfying culinary experience.

Friulian Gratinated Scallops

The Gratinated Scallops can be prepared traditionally following the Friulian recipe, which highlights the flavors of the sea and land. In Friuli Venezia Giulia, scallops are often paired with fresh, local ingredients. The preparation involves the use of aromatic herbs such as basil and oregano, which give the dish an unmistakable aroma. Additionally, the addition of white wine typical of the region makes the gratin even more flavorful. Baking the scallops in the oven until a golden crust forms is essential for achieving the perfect texture. This dish represents a great opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of Friulian cuisine, bringing a piece of tradition directly to your table.

Light Gratinated Scallops without Butter

For those seeking a lighter option, the Gratinated Scallops can be prepared without butter, using instead a good extra virgin olive oil. This light version retains all the flavor of the original dish while reducing calories and fats. By using a mix of whole wheat breadcrumbs and chickpea flour, you will achieve a crunchy crust that is healthier. Moreover, it is possible to increase the amount of vegetables in the gratin, making for a dish rich in vitamins and minerals. This variant is ideal for those following a balanced diet but who do not want to give up the pleasures of good cooking. With a few simple adjustments, the Light Gratinated Scallops can become a tasty and nutritious dish, perfect for any occasion.

Gratinated Scallops: Benefits and Nutritional Values

Scallops are a valuable ingredient in the kitchen, not only for their delicate flavor but also for their numerous nutritional benefits. Rich in protein and low in fat, scallops are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote cardiovascular health. Additionally, they contain B vitamins and minerals such as zinc and selenium, essential for the proper functioning of our body. A dish of Gratinated Scallops provides about 250 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the amount of oil. Choosing to cook them with vegetables adds further nutrients and fiber, making this dish a healthy and balanced choice for those who wish to eat well without sacrificing taste.

Can Gratinated Scallops be Frozen?

Gratinated Scallops can be frozen, but it is advisable to do so before cooking. If you wish to prepare them in advance, you can assemble the dish and freeze it raw, wrapping it well in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This way, you will preserve the freshness of the scallops and other ingredients. However, once cooked, the texture of the scallops may change, making the dish less pleasant to the palate. For best results, thaw the scallops in the refrigerator and cook them directly, avoiding leaving them at room temperature for long periods. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your Gratinated Scallops at a later time.