Scallops With Spinach and Artichoke Hearts In Red Curry Sauce

I love Indian food and I love spicy food, but it is really easy to pack the calories on in an Indian restaurant.  This is my Saturday night dinner for two that I served with a glass of chilled chardonnay for a flavorful delight.  My husband’s response after the first bite was, “this is a winner, it is gourmet restaurant quality food”.  I smiled and continued eating small bites, chewing thoroughly.

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 10 sea scallops ( I soak mine in non fat milk or almond milk to reduce their “fishiness”.  I don’t know where I learned this, but it works - pour out the milk, rinse them and make sure you let them stand in the colander for a bit to drain all of the excess liquid.
• Can of Trader Joe’s artichoke hearts packed in water (drained and cut into quarters so my lap band would like them)
• ½ cup of Trader Joe’s Red Curry Sauce
• 3 Tablespoon of chopped shallots
• Several cloves of garlic chopped (at least 2-3 Tablespons, remember I LOVE garlic)
• 6-8 cups of raw baby spinach
• 1 Tablespoon of Panko Breadcrumbs
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cumin
• Curry powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Sea salt (or kosher salt)
• (spices are added to taste- I love things hot and spicy)

Directions:

1. Combine breadcrumb and spices tossing together until mixed - set aside
2. Chop the shallots and the garlic
3. Spray a large frying pan pan with olive oil (I use my Misto) and lightly brown the shallots and garlic on medium heat
4. While they are browning spray another frying pan with olive oil and bring to medium high heat
5. Add the artichoke hearts and the spinach to the shallots and garlic and lightly wilt the spinach
6. While spinach et al is doing its thing in the big pan, dredge the scallops in the dry seasoning mix and sauté them in the smaller pan.  They should take about 2-3 minutes per side.  Do not overcook
7. Add the red curry sauce to the spinach mixture.  Heat through (about a minute).  Spoon mixture into 2 bowls and top with scallops. 

Each portion is about: 

• 300 calories and
• 31 grams of protein

Enjoy!