Prep Time

    •    Prep and cook time: 50 minutes
    •    Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

    •    2 thyme sprigs
    •    1 cup fish stock
    •    1 tsp lemon juice
    •    2 tbsps pine nuts
    •    2 cups Pinot Gris
    •    1 tbsp heavy cream
    •    2 tbsps vegetable oil
    •    16 large sea scallops
    •    1 tbsp minced chives
    •    salt and ground pepper
    •    4 tsps extra-virgin olive oil
    •    2 medium shallots, minced
    •    1 packed cup baby spinach
    •    1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper flakes (Optional)
    •    1 stick unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces and chilled

Method

1. In a skillet, toast the pine nuts over moderate heat until golden, 2 minutes; transfer to a plate and let cool. Lightly crush the nuts.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of the olive oil. Add the shallots and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until browned, 4 minutes. Add the wine and thyme; boil until reduced to 1/4 cup, 15 minutes. Add the stock and boil until reduced to 1/4 cup, 9 minutes longer. Add the cream, bring to a boil and remove from the heat.
3. Strain the wine sauce into a clean saucepan. Whisk in the butter, 4 pieces at a time, until the sauce is thickened and smooth; set the pan over low heat as necessary to help melt the butter. Stir in the chives and season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat.
4. In a medium bowl, toss the spinach with the lemon juice and the remaining olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
5. In the skillet, heat the vegetable oil. Season the scallops with salt and pepper, add to the skillet and cook over high heat, turning once, until browned but barely cooked through, 2 minutes per side. Transfer the scallops and spinach to plates. Garnish with the pine nuts and pepper flakes. Gently reheat the sauce, spoon on top and serve.

This great family recipe is thanks to FOOD & WINE at https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/seared-scallops-pinot-gris-butter-sauce