Cumin Crusted Sea Scallops With Mustard and Garam Masala

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 3 tablespoons toasted ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 cardamom pod
• 1 star anise
• 12 large sea scallops, rinsed and patted dry

Directions

1. 1

   Combine chili, cumin, salt and pepper in a medium shallow bowl.

2. 2

   Dredge one side of each scallop in the spice mixture.

3. 3

   Heat the oil in a large nonstick saucepan over high heat.

4. 4

   Add mustard seeds, cardomon and star anise.

5. 5

   Place the scallops in the heated pan, spice side down and cook for 3 minutes ( until bottom edge is brown).

6. 6

   Reduce the heat to low, turn the scallops for 2 to 3 minutes more.

7. 7

   Remove from pan and arrange the scallops around the plate.

8. 8

   Drizzle the spice oil drippings from the pan over the scallops and serve.