When we were in Paris, I came across a wonderful seafood vendor – La Marée Beauvau – who had the most beautiful St. Jacques scallops I had seen; they were still in their shells with their roe – something you don’t often see in my part of the United States. We enjoyed this meal on Christmas Eve, but it is good enough to share anytime.
Ingredients:
- 3 leeks, cleaned, halved lengthwise, and sliced
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- finely grated zest of 2 clementines
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche
- 10 sea scallops, patted dry
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Method:
In a large saucepan, blanch the sliced leeks in salted boiling water for 1 minute; drain well.
Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in the same saucepan over medium heat and add the leeks. Cook the leeks in the butter for 15-20 minutes, until they are very soft and beginning to break down. Add the clementine zest and curry powder, and cook a couple minutes longer to meld the flavors. Blend in the crème fraîche and remove from the heat. Set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium-high heat. Season the scallops on both sides with salt and pepper. When the butter is hot, add the scallops and sear – about two minutes each side.
While the scallops are cooking, reheat the creamy leeks.
Divide the leeks between two dinner plates, top with the scallops, and serve with a lightly dressed green salad.
This dish would pair perfectly with the delicate flavour of Pure Mirabeau.
