MEMORIES FROM FEBRUARY 26, 2016: Pesto Dishes Series, 3 of 3: SAUTEED SCALLOPS with my PESTO, BROCCOLI and PEARL COUSCOUS!

I must say that this is a charming and attractive little dish that doesn’t require a laundry list of ingredients. The caramelized scallops tastes amazing and the pesto, broccoli and pearl couscous makes up for a lovely accompaniment. Scallops are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and relatively low in calories, they are an incredibly healthy source of protein. You can buy them fresh or frozen. Let’s make this together this weekend.
 
Approximate Prep and Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Approximate Total Cost: Under $16.00 (or $7.85/serving)
Serve: 2
 
Ingredients
6 medium size scallops, approx. 1-lb. 3 are enough for one person) ($1.50 ea. x 6 =$ 9.00)
2 tbsp's. Angie’s Dry Seasoning (see my link)
1 broccoli crown ($1.75)
3 tbsp. Olive oil (for the couscous, to season the scallops and for sautéing) (.45)
1 box of Pearl Couscous (this type has a larger grain) ($2.00)
3 tbsp's. Angie’s Pesto (See my link for the recipe) ($2.50)
  
Directions:
Season the scallops and set aside in the fridge.
Cook the Pearl Couscous according to the package directions.
Steam the broccoli in lightly salted water for few minutes to maintain the green color.
In a skillet with 1 tbsp. of olive oil, sear the scallops briefly until golden brown on each side. Scallops are lean protein, and as such, they can toughen very easily upon cooking. Do not overcook them, since they can go from succulent to rubber pretty quickly.
 
To serve I used a large soup plate, scoop the couscous in the bottom of the dish first, followed by the 3 scallops. I fill the sides with broccoli and finally, drip few tsp's. of Pesto over the empty spaces.
 
HACK: You can add avocado and a salad, and garnish with Cilantro, parsley, chives, or scallions. This goes well with a glass of white wine.
 
Links:
My seasoning: http://www.angieslifehacks.com/family-life/oven-roasted-bacon-chicken-and-angies-seasonings
My Pesto Recipe: http://www.angieslifehacks.com/cuisine/angies-homemade-basil-pesto-sauce