Ingredients
Canola oil, as needed
1/4 cup drained capers, patted dry
1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
1-1/4 lbs. diver scallops, side muscle removed
1 tbsp. unsalted butter; more as needed
2 tsp. finely chopped tarragon
Cauliflower Puree
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced
4 medium cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 2-lbs. head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets
2 cups heavy cream or chicken stock (or combination of the two)
1 sprig thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste
Drops of lemon juice and cayenne to taste
Recipe credit: Chef John Ash
Directions
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring often, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes; lower heat as necessary to prevent browning.
- Add cauliflower, cream and/or stock, and thyme. Cover, bring to a simmer, and cook, adjusting heat to maintain simmer, until cauliflower is tender, about 20 minutes. Uncover and continue to simmer for another 3–4 minutes to thicken the liquid. Discard thyme sprig.
- Using a blender or immersion blender, blend cauliflower and liquid to form a very smooth purée. Season to your taste with salt, white pepper, drops of lemon juice and a little cayenne. You can adjust purée consistency as needed: Thicken by cooking down further while stirring often over low heat or thin by whisking in liquid, such as stock, cream, or water. Serve warm.
- Heat 1/4 inch of the oil in a medium deep sided saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the capers and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme and cook until the capers are golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Add the lemon zest, cook for just a few seconds, and then, using a slotted spoon, transfer the capers, thyme, and zest to a paper-towel-lined plate.
- Pat the scallops dry. Heat a large heavy duty non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon or so of oil and the butter. Season the scallops with salt. Working in batches if necessary to keep from crowding, cook the scallops, undisturbed, until very well browned on one side, 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook until just barely cooked through, 2–3 minutes more, depending on size. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.
- Spoon some of the cauliflower purée among serving plates, and top with the scallops. Garnish with the fried capers and tarragon, and serve.
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