Scallops with “Melted” Leeks and Tarragon-Caper Butter Recipe

Scallops with “Melted” Leeks and Tarragon-Caper Butter Recipe

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon drained capers, patted dry
  • 2 1/2 cups dry white wine
  • 7 whole peppercorns
  • 3 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 2 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup whipping cream
  • 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) butter, cut into pieces
  • 5 leeks, chopped (white and pale green parts only; about 4 cups)
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/3 cup (packed) chopped fresh chives
  • 1 pound sea scallops
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy small skillet over medium heat. Add capers; sauté until crisp, about 1 minute. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain.
  2. Boil wine and next 4 ingredients in small saucepan over medium heat until liquid is reduced to 3 tablespoons, about 15 minutes. Add cream; boil until liquid is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. (Capers and sauce can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.)
  3. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add leeks and 3/4 cup water. Simmer until leeks are tender and almost all water evaporates, about 4 minutes. Mix in chives. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer leek mixture to platter. Tent with foil.
  4. Sprinkle scallops with salt and pepper. Melt 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon oil in another heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add scallops; sauté until cooked, about 2 minutes per side. Arrange atop leeks. Tent with foil.
  5. Reheat sauce over medium heat. Gradually add 6 tablespoons butter; whisk until smooth, about 1 minute (do not boil). Strain sauce into small bowl. Stir in capers and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon over scallops.
Recipe of the Day|