Seared Scallops with Celeriac Puree and Bacon Crumb

Celeriac is definitely an underappreciated vegetable, pairing magnificently with seafood and the scallops and bacon, they love each other! Impress your guests at your next dinner party by bringing this one out of the bag.
INGREDIENTS

12 scallops

250g of bacon, finely diced

Fresh dill sprigs, to garnish

Salt and pepper, to season

 

For the Puree

1 small celeriac, peeled and diced into 2cm cubes

1 and a ½ cups full cream milk

150ml thickened cream

1 large shallot, peeled and chopped

30g unsalted butter, cubed

¼ cup dill, finely chopped

Salt, to taste

Method

1. To make the puree, place the celeriac into a medium saucepan along with the milk, cream, shallots, butter and salt.

2. Place over a medium heat and bring a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the celeriac gently for 25-30 minutes or until tender.

3. Carefully pour off half of the milk and cream mixture to a jug. Blitz with a stick blender until smooth. Add reserved milk and cream mixture bit by bit if needed until puree has reached a smooth consistency. Add dill, stir and set aside.

4. For the bacon crumb, in a frying pan over medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook, stirring for 5 minutes or until the bacon is super crispy. Remove onto a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon, trying to leave as much of the bacon fat in the pan as you can.

5. Place the scallops onto a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry. Turn the frying pan, with the reserved bacon fat, onto high heat and fry the scallops for 1 minute, turn and cook for a further 30 seconds. Remove onto a plate.

6. To serve, place good dollops of the puree onto a plate or serving dish, top with scallops, season with salt and pepper, top with bacon crumb and dill fronds to garnish.

Click here to see how it’s made!

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