Sea Scallops Baby Fennel Provençal Recipes

INA'S SCALLOPS PROVENCAL

Steps:

• If you're using bay scallops, keep them whole.
• If you're using sea scallops, cut each one in 1/2 horizontally.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper, toss with flour, and shake off the excess.
• In a very large saute pan, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter over high heat until sizzling and add the scallops in 1 layer.
• Lower the heat to medium, and allow the scallops to brown lightly on 1 side without moving them, then turn and brown lightly on the other side. This should take 3-4 minutes, total.
• Melt the rest of the butter in the pan with the scallops, then add the shallots, garlic, and parsley, and saute for 2 more minutes, tossing the seasonings with the scallops.
• Add the wine, cook for 1 minute, and taste for seasoning.
• Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon juice.

SCALLOPS à LA PROVENçAL

Steps:

• Heat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine tomatoes with 2 tablespoons garlic, 3 teaspoons thyme, 3 teaspoons oil, 1/4 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Coat a rimmed sheet pan with cooking spray; spread tomato mixture on pan in a single layer. Bake, stirring once or twice, until tomatoes are soft and slightly charred, 20 to 25 minutes. Stir corn into tomato mixture. In same bowl, toss scallops with remaining 2 teaspoons thyme, 2 teaspoons oil, 1/2 tablespoon garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Place scallops on top of tomato mixture; bake until scallops are just cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer scallops to a plate; cut in half. Stir vinegar and 2 tablespoons herbs into tomato mixture. Divide arugula, tomato mixture and scallops among 4 bowls; sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon herbs.

PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS WITH FENNEL PUREE

Steps:

• Sear scallops If necessary, remove the small, tough muscle (called the adductor) found on the side of the scallops (often the fishmonger will have removed it), then slice each scallop in half horizontally so that you have twelve pieces. Heat a large skillet over high heat. Season scallops on both sides with salt. When pan is hot, add enough oil to coat bottom of pan (about 1 tablespoon), and swirl to coat evenly. Working in batches to avoid crowding pan, add scallops and quickly jerk the pan to keep them from sticking. Sear until lightly golden, about 45 seconds; with an offset spatula, turn over and cook until opaque throughout, about 30 seconds more (be careful not to turn too soon or the scallops may tear). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and cover to keep warm (if necessary). Repeat with more oil and remaining scallops.
• Serve Heat fennel puree in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm. Spoon 1 tablespoon puree onto each of 12 small plates and top with a scallop slice. Garnish with fennel fronds, and serve.

BAY SCALLOPS PROVENCAL

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and fennel and saute until it has softened and is just beginning to color. Stir in the garlic, saute until it barely turns gold, then add the tomatoes and wine.
• Season with salt and pepper, hot pepper flakes and thyme. Lower the heat to a slow simmer and cook 15 to 20 minutes, until the tomatoes have lost their raw taste and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little additional wine.
• Increase the heat to medium, add the scallops and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are just barely cooked through, three to five minutes. The surface of the scallops will show some cracking. If the sauce has reduced too much, add a little more wine.
• Check seasonings, transfer to a serving dish or four plates and serve sprinkled with parsley.