Coquilles Saint-Jacques is a classic French dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party. This elegant seafood dish consists of scallops cooked in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, and baked until golden brown. Impress your guests with this delicious and easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 16 large scallops
- 500g mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 shallots
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean and dry the scallops. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finely chop the mushrooms, garlic, and shallots. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and are browned, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and shallots and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the white wine to the skillet and let it reduce by half. Add the heavy cream and let it reduce by half, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
- Divide the mushroom mixture between four scallop shells or gratin dishes. Place four scallops on top of each dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese on top of the scallops.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the scallops are cooked through. Serve hot.
Vegetarian/Vegan Version
To make a vegetarian version of this dish, simply replace the scallops with sliced zucchini or eggplant. You can also use vegetable broth instead of white wine and soy cream instead of heavy cream to make a vegan version.
Variations
You can add different herbs and spices to the mushroom sauce to give it a unique flavor. Thyme, parsley, and tarragon are all great choices. You can also add some chopped bacon or pancetta to the mushroom mixture for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Coquilles Saint-Jacques is a classic French dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party. This elegant seafood dish is easy to make and will impress your guests with its delicious flavors and elegant presentation. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of France in your own home.
FAQ
What are Coquilles Saint-Jacques?
Coquilles Saint-Jacques is a French dish made with scallops, mushrooms, and a creamy white wine sauce, served in the scallop shells.
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops for this recipe. However, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
How do I clean the scallop shells?
To clean the scallop shells, soak them in hot water and then scrub them with a brush to remove any debris or residue. Rinse thoroughly and let them dry before using.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to reheat it gently before serving.
What wine should I use for the sauce?
Traditionally, a dry white wine such as Chablis or Sauvignon Blanc is used for the sauce. However, you can also use other dry white wines that you prefer.
Can I substitute the mushrooms with other vegetables?
Yes, you can substitute the mushrooms with other vegetables such as leeks, spinach, or zucchini. Just make sure to cook them until they are tender before adding them to the sauce.
Can I use heavy cream instead of crème fraîche?
Yes, you can use heavy cream instead of crème fraîche. However, crème fraîche has a tangy flavor that adds to the dish, so you may want to add a squeeze of lemon juice to the heavy cream to mimic the flavor.
How do I know when the scallops are cooked?
Scallops should be cooked until they are opaque and slightly firm to the touch. Overcooking them can make them tough and rubbery.
Can I use a different type of seafood instead of scallops?
Yes, you can use other types of seafood such as shrimp, lobster, or crab meat. However, cooking times may vary depending on the type of seafood you use.
What can I serve with Coquilles Saint-Jacques?
Coquilles Saint-Jacques is often served with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A crisp green salad is also a great side dish to balance the richness of the dish.
