Porcini Dusted Sea Scallops With Tomato Relish

http://www.italianfoodforever.com/

I was at the St. Lawrence market this past weekend and couldn’t resist the huge, creamy white sea scallops on display. I decided to lightly dust them with dried porcini mushroom powder, sear them, and serve them with just a little fresh tomato relish. They were cooked perfectly, and delicious! You wouldn't think that porcini and scallops would be a good mix, but the porcini actually seems to bring out the sweetness of the scallops. I chose thyme as my fresh herb of choice for the tomato relish to compliment the porcini flavor.

Serves 4.

By Deborah Mele

Ingredients:

• 12 Large Sea Scallops
• 2 Tablespoons Dried Porcini Powder (See Note Below)
• 4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• Salt & Pepper To Taste

For The Relish:

• 6 Ripe, Plum Tomatoes
• 1 Clove Garlic, Peeled And Minced
• 1 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper
• ½ Teaspoon Chopped, Fresh Thyme

Directions:

• Cut the tomatoes in half, cutting away the core end.
• Carefully squeeze the tomatoes to remove most of the seeds trying not to damage the pulp.
• Cut the tomatoes into a small dice (1/2 inch pieces) and place in a bowl.
• Add the garlic, olive oil and thyme, and then season with salt and pepper.
• Mix well and set aside.

• Lightly pat the scallops dry, and sprinkle on some of the porcini powder on both sides.
• Heat the butter in a heavy frying pan until it is sizzling and just beginning to turn light brown.
• Add the scallops, and cook on medium high heat for about 3 minutes on each side.
• The scallops should have a light, crisp outer crust, but remain tender inside.
• Once they have all been cooked, place three scallops on each plate with a little of the tomato relish on top to serve.

Note:
If you cannot find dried porcini powder, then simply grind your own by placing dried porcini mushrooms in a blender or food processor and pulsing until finely ground.