Scallops Provencale

A quick, country way to prepare scallops, and throw in vegetables that are lying around.  In this classic recipe, the ingredients are not so strong as to overpower the delicate scallops.  The trio of shallots, garlic and parsley shouts out, “I’m French!” The olive oil and butter together are delicious.

 You are thinking, “that’s a big Bok Choy!”  I agree, but including non-traditional light Asian flavors is sometimes very tasty, and the gigantic size makes for good conversation and sharing. But to be honest, it was lying there, so–in it goes.

Recipe (serves 4)

Ingredients
1 pound scallops, either bay or sea, rinsed in cold water and dried
1/2 -3/4 cup all-purpose wheat flour
2-3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 Tablespoons Butter
2 Tablespoons Shallots, peeled, minced
1 clove Garlic, peeled, minced
2 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, minced
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
1 Lemon, cut into wedges

Method
1. Sprinkle salt on the rinsed and dried scallops, then dredge them in the flour to coat. Shake off excess flour and set aside.
2. Place a 12″ skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil so that it covers the bottom of the pan completely.  Add more olive oil if necessary. When the oil begins to wave and shimmer, add the scallops, all in one layer.
3. After 3 minutes, toss the scallops to brown all the sides, cooking for another 3 minutes.
4. Add the shallots and garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the parsley and butter, toss gently and cook for 1 minute, then serve immediately with lemon wedges and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Optional: After step 4, add 1/3 cup sherry and deglaze the pan for 2 minutes, scraping off all brown bits.  Then proceed to step 5.

Serve with steamed rice and vegetables.  Bon appétit!