Scallops with Potato Pancakes and Caviar Sauce

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Serving size:8
Total Time:
Scallops with Potato Pancakes and Caviar Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tbsp minced chives
  • 20 medium sea scallops
  • vegetable oil, for frying
  • salt
  • 1 oz caviar
  • 6 oz cold unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons
  • 11/2 tbsp crème fraîche
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1 lb baking potatoes, peeled
  • 3 thyme sprigs
  • 9 black peppercorns
  • 11/2 cup champagne
  • vegetable oil, for frying
  • salt
  • 1/4 cup grated onion
  • 1/4 cup matzo meal
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Directions

1. Make the Pancakes: Coarsely shred the potatoes and squeeze out any excess liquid. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the egg, matzo meal, onion and a large pinch of salt. Shape the mixture into 20 scallop-size cakes, about 1/2 inch thick; press the cakes to compress them.

2. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil until shimmering. Working in batches, fry the pancakes over moderately high heat until browned and crisp, about 3 minutes per side. Lower the heat if the pancakes brown too quickly and add more oil if necessary. Transfer the pancakes to a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt.

3. Prepare the Scallops and Caviar Sauce: Preheat the oven to 325°. In a small saucepan, combine the Champagne with the peppercorns, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, shallot and lemon juice and boil over high heat until reduced to 1 tablespoon, about 15 minutes. Strain the sauce into another small saucepan. Stir in the crème fraîche and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the softened butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Stir in the caviar and season lightly with salt. Cover the sauce and keep it warm.

4. Wipe out the skillet and heat 1/4 inch of oil in it until shimmering. Season the scallops with salt and add half of them to the skillet. Cook over high heat until richly browned, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining scallops.

5. Rewarm the potato pancakes in the oven. Arrange the pancakes on a platter and set a scallop on each one. Add the chives to the caviar butter sauce and spoon over the scallops. Serve right away.