Coquilles St. Jacques (St. Jacques Shellfish Dish)

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 oz (227g) fresh St. Jacques shellfish (or substitute with scallops)
• 4 tbsp (56g) butter
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 cup (237ml) white wine
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Breadcrumbs for topping (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the shellfish by cleaning and removing any excess shell fragments. Set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook until softened.
3. Add the lemon zest and juice to the pan, and stir well.
4. Raise the heat to medium, add the white wine, and let it reduce by half.
5. Add the shellfish to the pan and cook until they start to turn opaque, about 5 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with chopped parsley.
7. Serve in individual serving dishes or a large serving dish, topped with breadcrumbs (if using).
8. Enjoy immediately with a glass of white wine.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Depends on the ingredients used but generally low to moderate depending on the quantity of butter used.
• Protein: High due to shellfish content.
• Fat: Moderate due to butter content.
• Carbohydrates: Low due to minimal breadcrumbs usage (if any).

Dish Characteristics:

• A classic French dish with a rich seafood flavor.
• Coquilles St. Jacques is known for its creamy, lemony, and seafood-rich taste that pairs perfectly with white wine.
• The dish is elegant and luxurious, often served as a special occasion dish or in high-end restaurants.

User Comments:

• "The dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was perfect."
• "I love the rich seafood flavor and the creamy sauce."
• "The dish was well-balanced and paired perfectly with a glass of white wine."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh shellfish for best results. If not available, scallops can be used as a substitute.
• When cooking shellfish, be careful not to overcook to avoid toughening the texture.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference, adding more lemon juice or salt if needed.