Scallop and Vegetable Packets

Scallop and Vegetable Packets Recipe - Spinach, Summer Squash, Asparagus, and Scallops in White Wine

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Scallop and Vegetable Packets are a delicious and healthy meal option that is perfect for a light and flavorful dinner. This recipe combines fresh sea scallops with a variety of colorful vegetables, all cooked together in a foil packet for a simple and convenient meal.

History

The idea of cooking food in packets has been around for centuries, with various cultures using different methods to steam or bake ingredients together. This particular recipe takes inspiration from traditional methods of cooking en papillote, a French technique that involves sealing food in parchment paper or foil and baking it.

Ingredients

2 cups packed baby spinach leaves
2 cups sliced yellow summer squash
1 lb (454 g) sea scallops, rinsed and patted dry, tough tendon at sides removed
20 asparagus spears, tough ends snapped off, cut into 2-inch lengths, about 2 cups
4 slices sweet onion, rings separated
4 slices tomato
0.33 cup chopped fresh italian parsley
1 tbsp + 1 tsp dry white wine or vermouth
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Set out two rimmed baking sheets.
Tear off four 20-inch-long sheets of heavy-duty foil. Fold each piece of foil crosswise like a book, then open up. Coat one half of each sheet with olive oil cooking spray.
In the center of each sprayed half, arrange the ingredients evenly divided: spinach, summer squash, scallops, asparagus, onion, and tomato.
Sprinkle with parsley. Drizzle with vermouth or wine, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Fold the other side of the foil over the food. Crimp the edges tightly to seal. Place the packets on the baking sheets.
Bake until the scallops are opaque in the thickest part and the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
Transfer the contents of each packet to a heated dinner plate and serve right away.

Variations

Try using different types of seafood such as shrimp or fish fillets.
Experiment with different herbs and seasonings to change up the flavor profile of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pat the scallops dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly.

- Be sure to seal the foil packets tightly to trap in the steam and flavors.

- Feel free to customize the vegetables in this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Scallop and Vegetable Packets with a side of rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The foil packets in this recipe help to steam the ingredients together, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out the vegetables in this recipe for your favorites, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the foil packets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve these Scallop and Vegetable Packets directly in the foil packets for a rustic and impressive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 200 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 5 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Scallops are a good source of vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium, while the vegetables in this recipe provide a variety of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (scallops) and may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Overall, this recipe is a good source of protein and vitamins, while being relatively low in calories and carbohydrates.

Summary

Scallop and Vegetable Packets are a simple and delicious meal option that is perfect for a light and healthy dinner. With a variety of colorful vegetables and tender sea scallops, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through my old recipe books, looking for something new to try. As I flipped through the pages, a worn and stained piece of paper fell out, fluttering to the ground in front of me.

Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a recipe for Scallop and Vegetable Packets. The ingredients were simple - fresh scallops, colorful bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and a medley of herbs and spices. The instructions were straightforward, instructing me to wrap the ingredients in foil packets and bake them in the oven until they were tender and fragrant.

I had never made anything like it before, but something about the recipe called to me. Perhaps it was the thought of the delicate scallops mingling with the vibrant vegetables, or the anticipation of unwrapping the foil packets to reveal a delicious and aromatic dish. Whatever it was, I knew I had to give it a try.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, carefully selecting the freshest scallops and vegetables from the market. As I chopped and diced, the kitchen filled with the savory scent of garlic and herbs, mingling with the sweet aroma of the vegetables. I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish.

After assembling the packets, I placed them in the oven and waited anxiously for them to cook. The minutes ticked by slowly, each one filled with anticipation and excitement. Finally, the timer dinged, signaling that the packets were ready.

I carefully removed them from the oven, the foil packets gleaming in the soft light. With trembling hands, I unwrapped one of them, the steam rising in a fragrant cloud. The scallops were perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, while the vegetables were brightly colored and bursting with flavor.

I took a bite, savoring the delicate taste of the scallops and the rich flavors of the vegetables. It was a symphony of textures and tastes, each bite a delight to the senses. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish to be shared with family and friends for years to come.

As I sat down to enjoy my meal, I thought back to the origin of the recipe. Perhaps it had come from an old friend, passed down through generations of cooks. Or maybe it was a creation of my own, inspired by the flavors and ingredients I loved. Whatever the case, I was grateful for the chance to discover it and make it my own.

And so, the recipe for Scallop and Vegetable Packets became a beloved part of my cooking repertoire, a dish that never failed to impress and delight. It reminded me that sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that come to us unexpectedly, bringing with them a world of flavors and memories to savor and cherish.