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03/12/2011 National Baked Scallops Day Baked Scallops and Shells

Source of Recipe

Woman's Day


Recipe Introduction

If you look around at recipes, y’know, scour the internet, as it were, you will find dozens, nay, hundreds of baked scallops recipes. These recipes all seem to be a variation on a theme: drown the poor hapless scallops, possibly breaded with some cheap butter crackers or cornflakes, in a heavy buttery/creamy sauce and then bake the hell out of them until they’re rubber tire tough and flavourless. Possible exception: Coquilles St. Jacques. But really, so easy to screw up (read: overcook the scallops) and ultimately over-rated. To all of which I say a big, fat *MEH*. That’s right. *MEH*. Scallops are tender, delicate, sweet, precious. It is so easy to overwhelm them and even easier to overcook them. As far as I am concerned, the only way to cook a scallop is to sear it. It’s fast, easy and preserves the sweetness and texture of the scallop. End of story. Don’t mess with a good thing I say!

List of Ingredients

HOME COOKIN’ 03/12/2011 National Baked Scallops Day Baked Scallops and Shells


Baked Scallops and Shells


1 large white onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
5 tbsp butter
1 pound large fresh scallops
1/2 pound medium shell pasta
3/4 cup half and half or whole milk
1 cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup bread crumbs
2 tsp fresh, chopped parsley
salt
pepper



Recipe



Preheat oven to 375º.

In a large pot of salted water cook the pasta just under al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large pan over medium heat sauté the onions and garlic in 2 tbsp butter. When the onions become translucent, add the scallops and 2 more tbsp of butter. Season with salt and pepper. Stir constantly until the scallops are lightly browned.

In a large bowl, mix shells, Parmesan, and parsley. When pasta is coated, salt and pepper to taste and add scallops, onion and garlic. Mix well and transfer to a 2 1/2 qt greased or buttered casserole dish.

Bake, uncovered 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly.

In a small bowl mix breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp of softened butter. When casserole is bubbly, remove from oven and cover with bread crumb and butter mixture. Bake approximately 10 more minutes or until the breadcrumbs become golden brown.

Let sit 5 minutes before serving.