Brown Rice Pesto with Scallops
(adapted from Tosca Reno's Sauteed Scallops with Four Herb Pesto and Quinoa)
Ingredients:
1 cup brown rice
2 1/4 cups water (may vary depending on the type of brown rice you use)
1 tsp + 1 pinch sea salt, divided
2 cloves garlic
1 cup fresh basil, loosely packed
1 cup tarragon, loosely packed
1/2 cup green onions
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
1/4 cup + 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 lb large wild scallops
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
Directions:
1. Cook brown rice as you normally would including a 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to bring the water temperature up ever so slightly. Cook rice to a fluffy consistency, being careful not to overcook - prepare pesto and scallops while rice is cooking.
2. Using a food processor, add garlic, basil, tarragon, green onions, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Pulse until chopped. While food processor is running, stream in olive oil. Stop food processor and scrape down sides - pulse a few more times to combine.
3. Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a stainless steel or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove any excess moisture in the scallops by blotting with a paper towel. Season one side with salt and pepper and place in a single layer in skillet. Cook 4-6 minutes on each side (your scallops may take more or less time depending on thickness) until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In a mixing or serving bowl, combine brown rice, pesto and tomatoes until combined. Divide evenly among plates and place scallops on top.
Makes approximately 3 servings (if you are female, you may get 4 servings out of it!)
Mets per serving (at 3 servings total):
Calories - 550
Protein - 18g
Fat - 21g
Carbs - 48g
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