Gourmet Seafood Cassolette Delight (Mediterranean Style)

 Gourmet Seafood Cassolette Delight (Mediterranean Style)

Ingredients:

8 large scallops

8 medium shrimp, peeled & deveined

1 cup mussels or clams (optional, scrubbed & debearded if needed)

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

2 Tbsp butter

1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 shallot, finely chopped (or 1/4 cup red onion)

1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)

1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)

2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt & black pepper, to taste

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the seafood:

Pat scallops and shrimp dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

If using mussels or clams, steam them in a small pot with 1/4 cup white wine until they just open (discard any that don’t). Set aside.

2. Cook the aromatics:

In a skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté shallot and garlic until fragrant (1–2 minutes).

Add mushrooms and thyme, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).

3. Deglaze and create sauce:

Pour in remaining white wine, simmer until reduced by half.

Stir in cream and lemon zest. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Season with salt and pepper.

4. Assemble the cassolette:

Arrange seafood (scallops, shrimp, mussels/clams) in individual oven-safe ramekins or a shallow baking dish.

Spoon mushroom-cream sauce over top.

Sprinkle with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.

5. Bake until golden:

Place under a preheated broiler (or bake at 400°F / 200°C) for 8–10 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Finish & serve:

Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve hot with toasted baguette slices or alongside a crisp green salad.