Black Bean Soup with Seared Scallops and Green Salsa

Name: Black Bean Soup with Seared Scallops and Green Salsa
Ingredients: 1 to 1 1/2 cups Spicy Black Bean Soup Base (page 52), defrosted if frozen; Up to 1/2 cup water or chicken or vegetable stock (optional); 1/2 to 1 serrano or jalapeño chile; 1/4 barely ripe avocado, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 small tomatillo, husk removed, rinsed, and cut into 1/2-inch slices; 1 very small shallot lobe, finely chopped; Leaves from 5 or 6 sprigs cilantro (about 1 tablespoon), finely chopped; Finely grated zest of 1 lime; Juice of 1/2 lime; 1 teaspoon agave nectar or honey; 3 large sea scallops (about 3 ounces); Kosher or sea salt; 1 tablespoon peanut or vegetable oil

December 14, 2011

Scallops are a solo cook’s friend because, like shrimp, they come in easy-to-manage amounts, cook quickly, and take well to all sorts of preparations. Here, they help bulk up black bean soup into a meal. Look for “dry-packed” scallops, which are shipped without the extra water and additives that dull the flavor of wet-packed scallops, making them sweeter and easier to get a nice crust on. If you can find them, you don’t need to rinse and pat them dry.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.