Prosciutto-wrapped Scallops with a Dry Jack Pesto over Linguine
- 2 cups packed basil leaves, plus leaves for garnish
- 1 cup grated dry Monterey jack cheese (recommended: Vella)
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning scallops
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning scallops
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup lightly toasted pine nuts
- 1/4 cup lightly toasted walnuts
- 1 1/2 pounds sea scallops, tough outer muscle removed, patted dry
- 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into 3/4-inch wide strips
- 1 pound linguine
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- In the bowl of a food processor combine the packed basil, 1/2 cup of the cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper, and pulse several times to chop the basil.
- While the processor is running, add 3/4 cup of the oil in a thin, steady stream.
- Add 1/4 cup of the pine nuts and the walnuts and pulse several times until the nuts are incorporated and chopped but pieces are still visible.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Set aside.
- Makes about 1 cup.
- Season the scallops on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
- Wrap each scallop around the smooth outer edges with a piece of prosciutto so that the entire outer circumference of the scallop is covered with prosciutto.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the linguine.
- Cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain, toss with the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, and set aside to keep warm.
- Melt half of the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat and, when the butter just begins to brown, add half of the scallops and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining scallops.
- (You may need to wipe the skillet between batches if the butter gets too brown.)
- Season the linguine with salt and pepper to taste and divide among 4 or 6 entree plates.
- Divide the scallops evenly among the plates, placing them directly on top of the linguine.
- Drizzle each plate of scallops with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pesto.
- Garnish with remaining toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves.
- Pass the remaining grated cheese at the table.
basil, cheese, garlic, salt, freshly ground black pepper, extravirgin olive oil, nuts, walnuts, outer, linguine, unsalted butter
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/prosciutto-wrapped-scallops-with-a-dry-jack-pesto-over-linguine-recipe.html (may not work)