Seared Scallops with Roasted Eggplants and Marinated Peppers
- 4 small Japanese eggplants (about 12 ounces total)
- 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
- Crushed red chile flakes
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 orange bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 12 large sea scallops (1 pound), patted dry
- Fresh dill leaves
- Arrange the oven rack in the lowest position.
- Preheat the oven to 450F.
- Use a fork to poke holes all over the eggplants.
- Put the eggplants on a foil-lined baking sheet in the oven.
- Roast, turning occasionally, until the skins are charred and the eggplants are very soft, about 15 minutes.
- Transfer to a cutting board.
- When cool enough to handle, peel the eggplants and cut in quarters lengthwise.
- Cut each piece in half crosswise.
- Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the garlic, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of the oil, a pinch of chile flakes, and a pinch of salt.
- Gently stir well.
- Turn a gas burner to high.
- Set the peppers directly over the flame and cook, turning frequently, until the skin is charred all over.
- Alternatively, broil or grill the peppers as close to the heat source as possible.
- When cool enough to handle, use paper towels to rub off the charred skin.
- Remove and discard the stems and seeds, then cut each pepper into very thin slices.
- Transfer to a medium bowl and add the lime juice, remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir well.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat until very hot.
- Season half the scallops with salt and pepper.
- Add enough oil to generously coat the bottom of the pan, then add the seasoned scallops, one at a time.
- Cook until a golden brown crust forms on the bottom, 1 to 2 minutes, then carefully flip and cook until a crust forms on the other side, 1 to 2 minutes longer.
- Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Repeat with the remaining scallops in the same pan, letting the pan get very hot again and adding more oil if needed.
- Divide the eggplant mixture among 4 serving dishes.
- Top with the scallops, then the pepper mixture.
- Scatter the dill all over.
eggplants, garlic, lemon juice, extravirgin olive oil, red chile flakes, kosher salt, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, lime juice, dill
Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/seared-scallops-with-roasted-eggplants-and-marinated-peppers-390691 (may not work)