Description
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Brown Butter Scallops with Butternut Squash Risotto, a dish that beautifully combines nutty brown butter with tender scallops and creamy risotto. This elegant meal is perfect for special occasions or an intimate dinner at home, guaranteed to impress your guests and elevate your culinary skills. The rich, savory scallops pair harmoniously with the sweet butternut squash, creating a delightful balance that makes every bite a memorable experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups chicken stock (or veggie stock)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (leaves stripped from stems)
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup dry apple vinegar
- 1 (15-ounce) can butternut squash purée
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 2 cups parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 1 pound large scallops (cleaned)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 2 teaspoons neutral (high-heat oil)
Instructions
- Heat chicken or vegetable stock over low heat in a saucepan.
- In a heavy-bottomed skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter with olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and thyme leaves.
- Stir in Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes; add apple vinegar and let it evaporate.
- Gradually add warm stock one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. After 15 minutes, mix in butternut squash purée, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper. In another skillet over high heat, sear scallops in neutral oil for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add remaining butter to the scallop skillet until browned; drizzle over scallops before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing/Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (450g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg