Shells in sauce.

Delicious Scallops Recipe with Tomato and Mushroom Sauce

If you are looking for a quick, tasty, and flavorful recipe, you have come to the right place! Today, I will guide you step by step to prepare a wonderful scallop stew with tomato sauce, mushrooms, and olives. This recipe is not only simple but also a true culinary treasure, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 4

Ingredients
- 15-20 fresh scallops
- 2 medium onions
- Olive oil (enough to sauté the onions)
- 1 can of tomato sauce (approximately 400 g)
- 1 can of black olives (approximately 200 g)
- 1 can of mushrooms (approximately 400 g)
- Bay leaves (2-3 leaves)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Dried coriander (1 teaspoon)
- Dried rosemary (1 teaspoon)
- 2 cloves of garlic

Recipe History
Scallop recipes have been appreciated throughout the centuries, being considered a delicacy in many culinary cultures. Their delicate taste and interesting texture make them ideal for incorporation into various dishes, from soups to stews. This recipe combines scallops with the intense flavors of tomato and mushroom sauce, bringing a touch of elegance and rusticity to your table.

Step by Step: Preparing the Scallops

1. Cleaning the scallops
Start by washing the fresh scallops. Rinse them in 2-3 cold waters to ensure they are clean. Use a toothbrush to remove any impurities from their shells. This step is essential for obtaining a clean and delicious dish.

2. Boiling the scallops
Fill a pot with water and put it on the heat. When the water reaches boiling point, add the cleaned scallops. Let them boil for 2-3 minutes until all the shells open. This is when the scallops become tender and flavorful. Remove them with a slotted spatula and let them cool slightly.

3. Extracting the meat
Once the scallops have cooled, extract the meat from the shells. It is important not to use the round part in the middle (the stomach of the scallops), so make sure to remove this part. Clean the extension that comes out of the shell (called "siphon") from the dark skin before consuming.

Preparing the Sauce

4. Preparing the vegetables
Peel the onions and cut them into scales. In a large skillet, add olive oil and a splash of water, then add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes slightly yellow and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step will add a sweet and savory base to your sauce.

5. Adding the ingredients
Once the onion is ready, add the crushed garlic, tomato sauce, olives, mushrooms, and spices (salt, pepper, coriander, and rosemary). Mix all the ingredients well and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes over medium heat to allow the flavors to combine and intensify.

6. Finalizing the dish
Turn off the heat and add the scallop meat to the hot sauce. Gently stir to coat the scallops with the flavorful sauce. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving
Serve this scallop stew alongside warm polenta and a sour cabbage salad. Combining these elements will create a perfect contrast between the rich taste of the scallops and the freshness of the salad.

Practical Tips
- Choosing scallops: Make sure the scallops are fresh. Those that remain closed after cooking are not good for consumption and should be discarded.
- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can replace the scallops with large mushrooms stuffed with the vegetable mixture and sauce.
- Diverse flavors: You can experiment by adding other vegetables, such as peppers or zucchini, to diversify the recipe.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious! One serving contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the amount of olive oil used. Scallops are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent choice for a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen scallops? Yes, but make sure to thaw them properly and cook them until fully cooked.
- How can I keep scallops fresh? It is recommended to keep them in the refrigerator, in a container covered with a damp towel, to maintain their moisture.
- What are the best side dishes? Besides polenta, you can serve scallops with toasted bread or rice to absorb the delicious sauce.

Variations and Customization
- Spicy sauce: If you like spicy food, add chili flakes or chili sauce to the tomato sauce.
- Adding cheese: You can sprinkle feta or parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra flavor boost.

I hope this recipe inspires you to explore the delights of scallops! It is an excellent choice for a quick dinner but also a dish that will impress any guest. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 15/20 clams 2 medium onions olive oil to sauté the onions 1 can of tomato sauce 1 can of black olives 1 can of mushrooms bay leaves salt pepper coriander rosemary 2 cloves of garlic

 Tags:  shells