Coquilles Saint-Jacques a La Provencale

Ingredients

SCALLOPS

• 2 lbs whole bay scallops or sea scallops, cut into 1/4 inch slices
• salt
• pepper
• flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

GARLIC BUTTER

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 lemon, quartered

Directions

1. 1

   FOR THE SCALLOPS:.

2. 2

   Wash the scallops in cold water and dry them with paper towels.

3. 3

   Season scallops with salt and pepper; then dip them in flour and shake them in a sieve or colander to remove all but a light dusting of flour.

4. 4

   In a 10 to 12 inch enameled or stainless-steel skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the oil over medium heat. When the foam subsides. saute the scallops in two batches so they are not crowded in the pan, shaking the skillet and stirring the scallops until they are lightly browned.

5. 5

   With a slotted spoon or spatula, transfer the scallops to a heated plate that has been lined with paper towels. Place the scallops in a warmed oven.

6. 6

   GARLIC BUTTER:.

7. 7

   In a 6 to 8 cup saucepan, clarify 8 tablespoons of butter by melting it slowly, skimming off the foam. Spoon the clear butter on top into a 6 to 8 inch skillet and discard the milky solids at the bottom of the pan.

8. 8

   Heat the butter until it sizzles, but do not let it brown. Remove it from the heat and quickly stir in the garlic.

9. 9

   Transfer the scallops to a serving platter and pour the garlic butter over them. Serve at once, garnished with the parsley and lemon quarters.