Scallop and Pancetta Skewers with Basil Dressing

, from Issue #Holiday 2024, page 42. December, 2024
Scallop and Pancetta Skewers with Basil Dressing

Makes: 14 skewers

INGREDIENTS

Basil Dressing (makes about ½ cup):
½ packed cup basil leaves
¼ cup parsley leaves
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
90ml extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon caster sugar
sea salt and ground pepper

Skewers:
14 large fresh scallops
sea salt and ground pepper
7 long thin slices
pancetta, halved
extra virgin olive oil for cooking
Basil Dressing, see recipe below

EQUIPMENT: 14 x 10cm skewers.

METHOD

Basil Dressing: Blitz all the ingredients with a stick blender or in a small food processor until smooth and bright green.

Skewers: Season the scallops with salt and pepper then wrap a slice of pancetta around each one and thread onto a skewer.

Heat a little oil in a large frying pan or on the hotplate of a barbecue and when hot cook the scallops for about 1½ minutes on each side or until the pancetta is crisp and golden and the scallops are no longer opaque. Cooking time will depend on the size of the scallops.

Transfer to a plate and serve with the Basil Dressing for drizzling over or dipping the scallops in.