About the Recipe
This elegant starter pairs perfectly seared scallops with a velvety pea purée, brightened by lemon juice and Parmesan. Topped with crispy Parma ham for crunch and a touch of saltiness, this dish is simple yet sophisticated, making it perfect for entertaining or a special meal.
Ingredients
200 g frozen peas
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 scallops
1 tsp olive oil
4 slices Parma ham
Preparation
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the Parma ham slices on a baking sheet and grill for 3–5 minutes, until crispy. Set aside to cool, then crumble into small pieces.
Cook the peas in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, until tender. Drain and transfer to a blender or food processor. Add olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan, honey, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Pat the scallops dry and season with salt and pepper. Sear the scallops for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through.
Spoon the pea purée onto a plate as a base. Arrange the scallops on top and sprinkle with the crumbled Parma ham for added texture and flavour.
Serve immediately as a starter or light side dish.