2665. BACON-WRAPPED SCALLOPS with JALAPENO-PAPAYA SAUCE

yields four servings


1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus 2 tablespoons
8 slices bacon
1 1/4 pounds sea scallops
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ripe papaya, peeled, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 cup prepared quinoa

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Prepare one cup of quinoa according to package directions. When cooked, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Cover and set aside. Halve bacon slices crosswise and wrap slices around 1 pound of the sea scallops. Secure with wooden picks, if necessary. Heat oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add all the scallops and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Place skillet in oven and bake 5 minutes, until scallops are cooked through (opaque). While scallops are cooking, prepare papaya sauce. In a small bowl, combine diced papaya, 2 tablespoons cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno, and cumin. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove 2 cooked scallops from the pan and reserve in refrigerator for another recipe Serve remaining scallops with quinoa and papaya sauce.


bacon recipe courtesy of: Robin Miller, "Wrap It Up," Quick Fix Meals with Robin Miller, Food Network, 2006