John & I belong to Jaffurs Winery in Santa Barbara. On Tuesday night, we were invited to Cecco Ristorante in Solvang for a 5-course meal that included a glass of Jaffurs wine with each course. The food was incredible and magical with the wine pairings. One course we particularly liked was a potato and goat cheese ravioli with saffron cream sauce topped with crab meat.
We had 4 large crab claws in our refrigerator that I bought from Fresh Fish Fanatics at the Channel Islands Farmers’ Market, so John was inspired to create this delicious dish.
Seared Scallops with Saffron Cream Crab Sauce
Set Aside.
Steam 4 large Crab Claws for 10 minutes.
Set aside to cool.
In a medium skillet, saute 2 finely diced Shallots in 4 Tablespoons Butter over medium heat.
When they begin to soften, stir in:
3/4 cup Seafood Broth
3/4 cup White Wine
2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
Reserved Saffron Broth with threads
Simmer until reduced by half – about 15 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup cream
Add Salt & Pepper, to taste.
Continue cooking until sauce thickens.
Then, stir in Crab Meat.
Rinse 8 Sea Scallops, pat dry, and sprinkle with Sal & Pepper.
Sear Scallops in 2 Tablespoons Butter over medium heat for 2 – 3 minutes on each side.
Place Scallops in dish, and pour Saffron Cream Crab Sauce over the top.
Risotto Verde
In a deep sauce pan, saute:
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 small Onion, diced
When Onions begin to soften, stir in:
1 Cup Arborio Rice
Continue stirring until rice is lightly browned
Add 4 Cups Chicken Broth in 1 Cup increments, stirring until almost completely absorbed in between additions.
Then stir in:
1 Cup White Wine
4 Tablespoons Fresh Basil (or 4 teaspoons dried)
1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 cup fresh Peas (you can also use thawed frozen)Salt and Pepper, to taste
When liquid is absorbed, finish with:
1/4 Cup Cream
1/2 Cup Parmesan, shredded
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir before serving.
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 small Onion, diced
When Onions begin to soften, stir in:
1 Cup Arborio Rice
Continue stirring until rice is lightly browned
Add 4 Cups Chicken Broth in 1 Cup increments, stirring until almost completely absorbed in between additions.
Then stir in:
1 Cup White Wine
4 Tablespoons Fresh Basil (or 4 teaspoons dried)
1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 cup fresh Peas (you can also use thawed frozen)Salt and Pepper, to taste
When liquid is absorbed, finish with:
1/4 Cup Cream
1/2 Cup Parmesan, shredded
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir before serving.
Crab Claws for sale at the Channel Islands Farmers’ Market |
These recipes are provided for your personal use. If you publish them, or re-post them, please give me credit. Grazie e Buon Appetito!
Katerina says
I first tried scallops while I was studying in New England and I loved them! Lately I am able to find them here in Greece too but they are quite expensive so I don’t eat them very often! This is a beautiful dish and I am keeping it to try it when I will buy scallops. I am also a big fan of risotto!
Kathy says
Susan, Such a lovely dinner! Perfect for this time of the year…scallops are my favorite! The photo of the risotto is wonderful! Happy St. Paddy’s Day!
Joanne says
this is such a gorgeously decadent meal! Every aspect sounds so tasty.
The Café Sucré Farine says
wow, Susan – this dish certainly lives up to the name of your blog, wish I could be a mouse at YOUR house!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love risotto but I’ve never tried risotto verde. Sounds delicious with the herbs and fresh peas!