Brown-Butter Seared Scallops with Ginger-Infused Sweet Potato Purée
Indulge in this elegant one-dish meal featuring perfectly seared brown-butter scallops served atop a creamy ginger-infused sweet potato purée. With every bite, you'll relish the rich flavors of the scallops, balanced beautifully by the warming essence of fresh ginger and the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Perfectly suited for those following a Weight Watchers or cholesterol-conscious diet, this dish is both nutritious and delicious, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Each serving is a satisfying 4 points within your dietary plan, ensuring you can enjoy a gourmet experience without the guilt.
4
Servings
80
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet potatoes
4 (medium, scrubbed)
skim milk
1/2 cup
fresh gingerroot
1 inch (peeled and grated)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon
unsalted butter
1 tablespoon
large scallops
3/4 lb (sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds)
scallions
2 (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the sweet potatoes by scrubbing them clean and piercing several holes in each potato.
2
2. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
3
3. Once baked, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut them in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh into a medium-sized bowl.
4
4. To the sweet potato pulp, add the skim milk, grated ginger, salt, and fresh ground pepper. Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Keep warm.
5
5. While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the scallops. In a large nonstick skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Cook the butter until it turns a light brown color and releases a nutty aroma.
6
6. Add the large scallops to the skillet in a single layer. Sear the scallops for about 1 minute on each side, or until they are golden brown on the outside and just opaque in the center.
7
7. Before serving, sprinkle the scallions over the scallops for added flavor and freshness.
8
8. To serve, spoon the ginger-infused sweet potato purée onto each plate and top with the seared scallops.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
10g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brown-Butter Seared Scallops with Ginger-Infused Sweet Potato Purée?
It is an elegant one-dish meal featuring scallops seared in nutty brown butter, served on a creamy base of sweet potatoes flavored with fresh ginger.
How many Weight Watchers points is this recipe per serving?
Each serving of this dish is calculated at 4 Weight Watchers points.
Is this recipe suitable for a cholesterol-conscious diet?
Yes, this dish is specifically designed to be nutritious and cholesterol-friendly.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving.
What are the main ingredients for the sweet potato purée?
The purée is made from 4 medium sweet potatoes, skim milk, fresh grated gingerroot, salt, and fresh ground pepper.
How long should I bake the sweet potatoes?
The sweet potatoes should be baked at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes or until tender.
How do I prepare the ginger for this recipe?
You should use a 1-inch piece of fresh gingerroot, peeled and finely grated.
What is the secret to the nutty flavor in the scallops?
The nutty flavor comes from melting unsalted butter in a skillet until it turns light brown and releases a rich aroma before adding the scallops.
How long do I sear the scallops?
Sear the scallops for about 1 minute on each side until they are golden brown on the outside and just opaque in the center.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter for searing the scallops.
How should the scallops be prepared before cooking?
The 3/4 lb of large scallops should be sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
What type of milk is used for the purée?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of skim milk to keep the purée creamy yet low in fat.
How do I ensure the sweet potato purée is smooth?
Use an electric mixer on low speed to beat the baked potato pulp with milk and seasonings until it becomes smooth and creamy.
What garnish is recommended for this dish?
Thinly sliced scallions are sprinkled over the scallops before serving for added freshness and flavor.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in this meal?
Each serving contains approximately 4.5 grams of protein.
Can I use this recipe for a special occasion?
Yes, its elegant presentation and gourmet flavors make it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
What temperature should the oven be?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Do I need to peel the potatoes before baking?
No, scrub them clean and bake them whole after piercing holes in them; you scoop the flesh out after they are cooked.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.
What kind of skillet is recommended?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent the scallops from sticking.
How do I know the scallops are cooked?
They should be golden brown on the exterior and just turn opaque in the center.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a complete and elegant one-dish meal.
What are the key tags for this recipe?
Key tags include seafood, dinner, healthy recipes, one-dish meal, and weight watchers.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
Can I use ginger powder instead of fresh gingerroot?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 inch of fresh gingerroot for the best flavor infusion.
How should I serve the dish?
Spoon the ginger-infused sweet potato purée onto each plate first, then top it with the seared scallops.
Why do I need to pierce holes in the sweet potatoes?
Piercing holes allows steam to escape during the baking process to prevent the potatoes from bursting.
Is this recipe considered gourmet?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet experience that can be enjoyed without guilt.