Spicy Maple Glazed Digby Scallops with Risotto

Chipotle & Lemongrass, Pure Infused Maple Syrup

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Spicy Maple Glazed Digby Scallops with Risotto

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Chipotle & Lemongrass
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

For the risotto

  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 fresh red chilli, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp fresh black pepper
  • 2 cups butternut squash, finely diced
  • 1 1/2 cups superfino arborio or carnaroli rice
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 6 to 7 cups hot chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

For the scallops

  • 1 1/2 pounds Digby scallops
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup PURE infused maple syrup with chipotle and lemongrass
  • 1/2 cup toasted cashews (garnish)
  • fresh cilantro leaves (garnish)

Instructions

Risotto

  • Bring the chicken broth to a simmer in a separate pot on the back of the stove. Choose a thick-bottomed stainless steel pot for the risotto, preferably something a bit wide and shallower than a stockpot.
  • Sauté the onions, garlic, ginger, red chilli, salt, and pepper, in the olive oil and butter until the onions are translucent. Add the squash pieces and stir well, cooking for about 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir well, cooking for about 2 additional minutes until the rice is well coated in the oil and butter. Deglaze with the wine and cook until it has completely evaporated.
  • Add the hot chicken broth to the rice a ladle at a time, stirring well and cooking it out gradually over medium heat. Keep adding the broth until the rice is el dente (still has some resistance when bitten) and then stir in the parmesan cheese and cilantro. The rice should take about 15 to 18 minutes to cook once you begin adding the liquid.
  • Remove from the heat and cover the pot for 5 minutes, then serve immediately.

Scallops

  • Ensure the scallops are as dry as possible before starting the dish so they caramelize well in the pan.
  • Heat a large frying pan over very high heat and add the oil. Add each scallop one at a time placing the best side (the presentation side that will show when serving) into the oil. Sear for about 2 minutes until golden brown and then remove them from the pan, resting them on a cold plate. When all the scallops are done, discard the oil in the pan.
  • Place the pan back on the heat and add the scallops back, this time placing the uncooked side down first. Immediately add in the PURE infused maple syrup and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for only about 2 minutes, basting the scallops slightly as they cook.

To serve the dish

  • Place a ladle of risotto in a pasta bowl or on a dinner plate. Add several seared scallops on top of the rice, then drizzle some of the warm infused maple syrup in the pan over the top. Garnish the dish with a few toasted cashews and a couple of sprigs of fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serves 4 as a main course or 8 as an appetizer.

Chipotle & Lemongrass

We took our inspiration for PURE Chipotle and Lemongrass straight from the BBQ. The smokiness imparted by the chipotle peppers is a lovely counterpoint to the natural sweetness of maple syrup. The lemongrass helps brighten up the finish, as the long, lingering, subtle heat of the chipotle dances on the palate. We love using it to make homemade barbecue sauces, but we’ve also made great marinades (Korean short ribs!), brushed it over grilled salmon steaks, and turned it into a dynamite dipping sauce for chicken wings.

How To Use

  • Making marinades (especially for things like Korean short ribs!)
  • Brushing directly on grilled salmon steaks
  • Creating a dipping sauce for chicken wings
  • Making traditional baked beans
  • Making your roasted squash or roasted vegetable soup extra special