Scallops with Onion Puree, Pink Grapefruit, and Prosecco Butter

recipe from Epicurious

Serves 4

1/4 cup olive oil 1 sweet onion (3/4 lb), halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 pink grapefruit
3/4 cup Prosecco
2 tbsp minced shallot
1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons, divided
12 large sea scallops (about 1 1/2 lb total), tough ligament from side discarded
1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Garnish: chervil sprigs



Heat olive oil in a 2- to 3-quart heavy saucepan over medium-low heat until it shimmers, then cook onion, covered, over low heat, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 10 minutes.

Stir in 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until very tender but not colored, about 20 minutes more. (If onion begins to color, add 1 to 2 tbsp of water as necessary during cooking.)

Purée onion in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot foods). Transfer to a bowl; keep warm, covered.

Cut 1/2" from top and bottom of grapefruit with a sharp knife, exposing fruit at both ends.

Cut peel and pith from sides, then cut segments free from membranes.

Cut segments into 1/3" dice and reserve.

Boil Prosecco and shallot in a small heavy saucepan until liquid is reduced to 1 to 2 tbsp, about 5 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium-low, then whisk in 6 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp at a time, whisking constantly, adding each piece before previous one has completely melted, and lifting pan from heat occasionally to cool. Remove from heat; keep warm, covered.

Heat a dry 12" heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, at least 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, pat scallops dry and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.

Add vegetable oil to hot skillet, swirling to coat, then sear scallops without crowding, undisturbed, until undersides are well browned, about 3 minutes.

Add remaining 2 tbsp butter to skillet, swirling skillet (so butter helps release scallops), then turn scallops over and cook until just cooked through, about 1 minute more.

Spoon 2 tbsp onion purée onto each of 4 plates, then top with scallops, browned sides up, and diced grapefruit.

Drizzle with Prosecco butter.

    Note: Onion purée can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, uncovered, until cool, then covered. Reheat over low heat.

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