Surf & Turf

Scallops with Green Asparagus, Cherry Tomatoes & Saffron Sauce

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A festive appetizer for Christmas Eve

For Christmas Eve, we wanted something both elegant and festive. This surf & turf dish with green asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and a saffron sauce turned out to be the perfect starter.

The combination of gently seared scallops, roasted tomatoes, crisp sea greens, and a creamy saffron sauce with a hint of lemon brought both warmth and sophistication to the plate.

Finished with a crunchy bacon crumble and a glass of white wine, this appetizer wasn’t just a feast for the eyes – it kicked off our holiday dinner with serious flavor.

✨ Easy to make, refined in taste, and perfect for impressing your guests during the holidays!

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🍽️ Servings: 4

⏱️ Time: 35 minuten

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Ingredients

• 12 large scallops

• 250 g (9 oz) green asparagus

• 250 g (9 oz) cherry tomatoes on the vine

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) white wine

• 100 ml (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream

• 100 g (3.5 oz) bacon

• 100 g (3.5 oz) samphire (or sea beans)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

• A few strands of saffron

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

2. Place the cherry tomatoes in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast until they just start to burst, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the oven and keep warm.

3. Lower the oven temperature to 60°C (140°F) to keep components warm as needed.

4. Drizzle asparagus with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 5–7 minutes. Keep warm in the oven.

5. In a pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and let drain on paper towels.

6. Add a bit more olive oil to the same pan. Season the scallops with salt and pepper and sear them for 2–3 minutes per side, until they have a golden crust. Keep warm in the oven.

7. Deglaze the pan with white wine and let it simmer briefly. Add the cream and saffron, and let it cook gently until slightly thickened – about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

8. Pulse the crispy bacon into a fine crumble.

9. Plate the saffron sauce first, then top with the scallops, asparagus, roasted cherry tomatoes, and sautéed samphire.

10. Finish with the bacon crumble.

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This dish proves that with just a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a festive appetizer that’s both elegant and bursting with flavor. Perfect for special occasions like Christmas Eve, but also a lovely treat when you want to spoil yourself or your guests.

A true showstopper that brings together simplicity and finesse with ease.

- Savory Roads