Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Jalapeno-Papaya Sauce

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus 2 tablespoons
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 1/4 pounds sea scallops
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ripe papaya, peeled, seeded and diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup prepared quinoa

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.

Prepare one cup of quinoa according to package directions. When cooked, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Cover and set aside.

Halve bacon slices crosswise and wrap slices around 1 pound of the sea scallops. Secure with wooden picks, if necessary.

Heat oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add all the scallops and cook 1 to 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Place skillet in oven and bake 5 minutes, until scallops are cooked through (opaque).

While scallops are cooking, prepare papaya sauce. In a small bowl, combine diced papaya, 2 tablespoons cilantro, lime juice, jalapeno, and cumin. Season with salt and black pepper.

Remove 2 cooked scallops from the pan and reserve in refrigerator for another recipe Serve remaining scallops with quinoa and papaya sauce.