Crimean Tatar Style Seared Scallops with Herb-infused Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

In this Crimean Tatar adaptation, the traditional French flavors of Scallops à la Provençal are combined with the unique herbs and spices of Crimean Tatar cuisine. The tomato sauce is infused with Crimean Tatar herbs, such as dill and tarragon, which add a distinct flavor profile to the dish. Additionally, the cooking technique may vary slightly to incorporate Crimean Tatar culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Scallops à la Provençal, so you can check it out.

• 12 large scallops 12 large scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 tomatoes, diced 4 tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (15g) 1 tablespoon tomato paste (15g)
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (5g) 1 teaspoon dried dill (5g)
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon (5g) 1 teaspoon dried tarragon (5g)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 1.5g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle in the dried dill and tarragon, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   While the sauce is simmering, prepare the scallops. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
7. 7.
   Heat another skillet over high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
8. 8.
   Once the skillet is hot, carefully add the scallops and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust.
9. 9.
   Serve the seared scallops on a bed of the herb-infused tomato sauce, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Scallops — Ensure the scallops are dry before searing to achieve a nice golden crust. Avoid overcooking to maintain their tender texture.
• Dried dill and tarragon — If fresh herbs are available, you can substitute them for dried herbs. Use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the tomato sauce before serving.
• Serve the dish with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the dish to your taste preferences.
• If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• To achieve a perfectly seared crust on the scallops, make sure the skillet is very hot before adding them.

Serving advice

Serve the Crimean Tatar Style Seared Scallops with Herb-infused Tomato Sauce as a main course, accompanied by a side of steamed rice or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, for an added touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the seared scallops on a plate, placing them on top of the vibrant herb-infused tomato sauce. Drizzle a little extra sauce around the plate for an appealing presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately to showcase the scallops' golden crust.