More Peas: NewMeMD 's Seared Scallops with Pea Purée & Mint Gremolata

Here's a delicious and healthy recipe from your NewMeMD wellness team that will have your taste buds jumping for joy! 

Seared Scallops with Pea Purée and Mint Gremolata

Ingredients
For the gremolata
- ¾ cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons almonds, coarsely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For the scallops and peas
- 2 large leeks, chopped, white and light green parts only
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 2 cups fresh shelled peas or frozen peas
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 large sea scallops

Directions
1. Prepare the gremolata. In a small food processor, combine the mint, lemon zest, lemon juice, almonds, salt, pepper and oil. Pulse a few times so the mixture is just combined (it should be coarsely chopped). Set the gremolata aside.

2. Heat 2 Tablespoons of the olive oil in a medium sauce pan over medium low heat. Add the leeks and cook until soft but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the peas, broth, salt and pepper. 

3. Turn the heat up to medium high, bring the peas to a simmer and then reduce the heat to medium low. Cover the pan and cook until the peas are tender, 4 to 8 minutes. Pour the contents of the sauce pan into to a blender and purée - add more chicken broth if the mixture appears too thick. Set the purée aside.

4. Rinse the scallops to remove any sand and pat them dry. Heat the remaining 1 Tablespoon of oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

5. Divide the pea purée among four plates or shallow bowls. Serve the scallops on top of the purée, sprinkle with the gremolata and drizzle with more olive oil.

Nutritional Info
Makes 4 Servings
Calories per Serving: 372
Total fat: 20.1g
Carbohydrates: 27.6g
Sugars: 7.1g
Dietary fiber: 6.7g
Protein: 22g

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Here's to a"peas"ing your appetite for weight loss! 
--Your NewMeMD Wellness Team