Caramelised scallops with beetroot, walnuts and witlof

Ingredients

• 1 bunch baby beetroot, scrubbed
• 1 green apple, quartered, cored
• 2 red witlof (Belgian endive), leaves separated
• 100g wild rocket leaves
• 8-12 scallops, cleaned
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 2 tbs roughly chopped walnuts, toasted

Dressing

• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil or walnut oil (see Notes)
• 2 tbs red wine vinegar
• 1 tbs honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C.
2. Place beetroot on a large sheet of foil, then enclose to form a parcel. Roast for 1 hour or until beetroot is tender. Cool the beetroot, then peel and cut into wedges.
3. For the dressing, whisk the olive or walnut oil, vinegar, honey and mustard together in a bowl, season with salt and pepper and lighten with a dash of water. Thickly slice the apple, then toss in the dressing with the witlof and rocket. Set aside while you cook the scallops.
4. Heat a dry frypan over medium heat. Brush scallops with oil and season well with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. In batches, sear scallops for 30 seconds each side until caramelised on the outside but still opaque in the centre.
5. Divide salad among plates, then tuck in scallops, beetroot and walnuts, drizzle with any remaining dressing and serve.

Notes

• Walnut oil is available from gourmet food shops and delis.

Tweet