Imagine a dish that combines the delicate sweetness of perfectly seared scallops with the rich, creamy embrace of spinach and melted cheese - welcome to the world of Coquilles St Jacques Florentine! This elegant French classic is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the charming coastal regions of France. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and create a memorable dining moment.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 scallops
- 2 cups spinach, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (Gruyère or Parmesan)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the scallops by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure an oven rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat until it becomes foamy and slightly golden.
- Quickly sear the scallops for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove scallops and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cooked and chopped spinach, stirring to warm through and absorb any remaining butter and scallop flavors.
- Pour in the cream and stir, allowing it to simmer and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange the seared scallops on top of the spinach mixture in individual gratin dishes or a large baking dish.
- Sprinkle grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese evenly over the scallops and spinach.
- Place the dishes in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to settle.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Scallop Selection: Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best flavor and texture. Avoid wet-packed scallops which can make searing difficult.
- Drying is Key: Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before searing to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- High Heat, Quick Sear: Use a hot skillet and sear scallops briefly (1-2 minutes per side) to prevent overcooking and maintain their tender texture.
- Cheese Choice: While the recipe suggests Gruyère or Parmesan, experiment with high-quality, well-melting cheeses for subtle flavor variations.
- Timing Matters: Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the optimal texture of melted cheese and hot scallops.
- Herb Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc complements this dish beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
