Scallops on black pudding and apple slices recipe

This impressive dish takes just minutes to prepare - and makes the perfect main course for a romantic dinner for two.

Ingredients

• 90g (3oz) basmati rice
• 60g (2oz) frozen peas
• 30g (1oz) butter
• 1tsp olive oil
• 1 Jazz apple, sliced through the core into 8 slices (discard the top and bottom slices and remove the pips)
• 200g (7oz) black pudding ring, skinned and cut into 10 slices
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 10-12 fresh scallops (220g pack), muscle removed
• A few rocket leaves, to garnish
• Also: dariole moulds or rings

Method

1. Rinse the rice and cook it according to pack directions for 8-10 mins. Add the peas for the last couple of minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat a third of the butter with a dash of oil in a medium-sized frying pan. Add the 6 apple slices and cook over a medium heat for about 4 mins, until browned on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside in a warm oven.
3. Add the slices of black pudding to the buttery juices in the pan and cook for a minute on each side. Place with the apple slices in the oven. Season the rice and peas, add a dash of oil and spoon into dariole moulds or rings and turn out on to 2 warm plates. Arrange the apple slices, with the black pudding on top, around the rice on the plates.
4. Wipe the frying pan clean, add the rest of the butter and, when foaming, add the scallops and cook for a minute on each side. Watch that the butter does not brown too much. Place the scallops on the black pudding, spoon the buttery juices over and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Garnish with rocket leaves. Serve hot with more salad, if you like.