Since I've spent so many years eating and cooking in Spain, I would be remiss if I didn't include a gazpacho in this book. But alas, this is not your abuela's gazpacho. In this version, peaches, plums, and watermelon all come together in a bright, colorful, chilled soup that is topped with a single seared diver scallop. The tart sour plums allow the sweet plump scallop to feel a little less self-conscious in its summery dress. If you can't find sour plums, substitute sweet plums, preferably golden plums, plus the juice of 2 lemons.
Recipe information
Yield
Serves 4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Combine the peaches, plums, watermelon, garlic, shallots, and vinegar in the Vitamix, blender, or food processor. Process on high until smooth and creamy, then reduce the speed and drizzle in the 1 cup olive oil until completely incorporated. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to chill in the refrigerator. Go ahead and chill 4 glass soup bowls while you're at it.
Step 2
Preheat the oven to 325°. When the gazpacho is chilled, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Season the scallops generously with salt and pepper. Once the olive oil slips easily across the pan, carefully place the scallops in the pan and sear until golden brown. I like the scallops to be just barely cooked, so I only sear one side. After about 2 minutes on the stovetop, put the whole kit and caboodle in the oven, without flipping the scallops; they will need 2-3 minutes in the oven.
Step 3
Fill each chilled soup bowl with a generous portion of gazpacho and nestle one scallop in each bowl, seared side up. A sprinkling of Espelette pepper and the thyme sprigs and blossoms and a drizzle of fruity olive oil is all you need.
Recipe notes
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