Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

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4
servings
3 tbsp

Butter

Divided

4 unit

Pancetta

Diced

1 unit

Shallot

Diced

0.5 cup

Brandy

10 unit

Chestnuts

Roasted And Peeled

1 cup

Chicken Stock

12 unit

Sage Leaves

8 unit

Bay Scallops

Large

1 tsp

Sea Salt

To Taste

1 tsp

Black Pepper

To Taste

1 cup

Dried Polenta

1 tbsp

Fresh Rosemary

Minced

1 tbsp

Fresh Sage

Minced

1 tsp

Sea Salt

To Taste

Step 1
~4 min

Preheat the oven to 375F.

Step 2
~4 min

Prepare the polenta according to package instructions, adding minced rosemary and sage.

Step 3
~4 min

Spread the cooked polenta thinly on a greased cookie sheet.

Step 4
~4 min

Season with sea salt and bake for 45-55 minutes until crispy. Set aside.

Step 5
~4 min

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 6
~4 min

Add diced pancetta and toast for 4-5 minutes.

Step 7
~4 min

Add diced shallots and cook until softened, seasoning with sea salt.

Step 8
~4 min

Deglaze with brandy and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 9
~4 min

Add roasted chestnuts and chicken stock and bring to a boil.

Step 10
~4 min

Reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Step 11
~4 min

Puree the sauce using an immersion blender. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes.

Step 12
~4 min

Season with salt and pepper; keep warm.

Step 13
~4 min

Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 14
~4 min

Add sage leaves and toast until crispy (about 2 minutes). Set aside.

Step 15
~4 min

Season scallops with salt and pepper.

Step 16
~4 min

Sear scallops in the same skillet over high heat for 1 minute per side to brown.

Step 17
~4 min

Reduce heat to medium and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through.

Step 18
~4 min

Serve the chestnut sauce in a bowl, topped with polenta crackers, seared scallops, and crispy sage leaves.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Ensure scallops are patted dry before searing for optimal browning.

Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing scallops.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

20 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

The chestnut brandy sauce can be made a day in advance.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Medium
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve as an appetizer for a dinner party.

Serve as a light lunch with a side salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Europe

Cultural Significance

Celebratory dishes often involve seafood and rich sauces.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Christmas
New Year's Eve

Occasion Tags

Dinner Party
Special Occasion

Popularity Score

75/100