Oct
17
Seared Sea Scallops with Creamy Spinach & Leeks

Ingredients

  • 2-1/2 Tbs. unsalted butter

  • 12 oz. baby spinach (about 12 loosely packed cups)

  • 2 medium leeks (white and light-green parts only), halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise, and rinsed (about 1 cup)

  • Kosher salt

  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/3 cup dry white wine

  • 1/3 cup heavy cream

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Pinch freshly grated nutmeg

  • 2 Tbs. freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

  • 16 large dry-packed sea scallops

  • 4 tsp. vegetable oil

Preparation

Melt 1/2 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the spinach and cook, tossing with
tongs, until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer with tongs to a colander set over a bowl; let drain and cool slightly.
Repeat with the remaining spinach (you don’t need to add more butter). Squeeze handfuls of the spinach to release as
much liquid as possible.

Discard any liquid in the skillet. Melt the remaining 2 Tbs. butter over medium heat and then add the leeks and a
pinch of salt. Cook until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute
more. Add the wine, raise the heat to medium high, and cook until almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the
cream and simmer until it’s thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 2 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt, a
generous grind of pepper, and the nutmeg. Stir in the cheese and gently fold in the spinach. Keep warm.

Pat the scallops dry and remove the side muscle if still attached. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 2 tsp. of the oil overmedium heat until shimmering hot. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Add half of the scallops to the pan andcook, undisturbed, until browned on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until just opaque in the
center, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining 2 tsp. of
oil and the scallops. Serve the scallops over the spinach.