2019 Bicentennial Chardonnay & Seared Scallops with Fennel & Lemon Relish
Winter 2022 selections: Seared Scallops with Fennel & Lemon Relish
This Food & Wine recipe is a great way to start off 2022. Scallops are a highly nutrition seafood that are low in fat. In fact, a 3oz serving of scallops has less than 1g of fat and 17g of protein, plus a healthy dose of potassium, iron, and vitamin B6. We recommend pairing it with our 2019 Bicentennial Chardonnay
Credit: Joanne Weir via Food & Wine Magazine
Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 small shallot, very finely chopped
1/4 cup diced fennel bulb
Large pinch of ground fennel
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 pound large sea scallops
1 bunch arugula, tough stems discarded
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons of the olive oil with the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, shallot, diced fennel bulb and ground fennel. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet. Season the scallops with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat until golden brown and opaque throughout, about 3 minutes per side.
3. Mound the arugula on plates and top with the scallops. Spoon the fennel and lemon relish on the scallops and serve with lemon wedges.
Why It Works
Searing scallops on high heat gives the edges a beautiful, crispy crust while leaving the insides tender & rich. This rich texture combined with the slightly sweet flavor of the fish matches the weight & subtle vanilla note of our 2019 Bicentennial Chardonnay. The addition of lemon & fennel are complemented by the citrus & mineral flavors in the wine.