Seared Scallops with Sweet Potato Soup

I just tried this tonight, and it was the perfect fall recipe! Warm, filling, and simple. The savory scallops complement the slightly sweet soup. Top with some whole grain crackers and you have an excellent meal. This recipe is great for your full meal, or in smaller servings as a starting course. Vegetarians and vegans may substitute marinated meat substitute (please do not add salt) for the scallops, soy milk for cow's milk, and olive oil for the butter.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 391 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
• 1 pound sea scallops
• Cayenne pepper
• 1 (1/4 inch thick) slice fresh ginger

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place a steamer insert into a saucepan, and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Cover, and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the sweet potatoes, cover, and steam until easily pierced with a fork, 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and ginger slice. Cook and stir until the flour has turned golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in the vegetable broth, brown sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat whisking constantly, then reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 10 minutes. Add the steamed sweet potatoes and simmer 5 minutes more.

Step 3

Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and ginger slice. Pour the soup into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth and pour into a clean pot. Whisk in the milk and cook over low heat until hot.

Step 4

While the soup is reheating, season the scallops with salt and pepper. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to brown. Cook the scallops in the hot butter until browned and crispy on the outside, but no longer translucent on the inside, about 3 minutes total depending on the size of the scallops.

Step 5

Ladle the soup into 4 bowls, and lay the scallops on top of the soup. Sprinkle with a little cayenne pepper to serve.