Seared Sea Scallops with Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Recipe courtesy of Traci Des Jardins
Yield
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup truffle juice
- 1/2 cup butter nage (see accompanying recipe)
- 1 x 0.5 to 1 ounce fresh black truffle, shaved
- Salt and white pepper
- 2 tablespoons clarified butter
- 18 sea scallops
- Truffle mashed potatoes (see accompanying recipe)
Directions
1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, reduce the truffle juice by half. Add ½ cup of the finished butter nage and the black truffle.
2. Season the sauce with salt and white pepper. Set aside and keep hot while preparing the rest of the dish.
3. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, melt 2 tablespoons of clarified butter. Season the scallops with salt and white pepper.
4. When the pan is very hot, sear the scallops for about 1½ minutes on the first side and 1 minute on the second side.
5. To serve, place a generous spoonful of the truffle mashed potatoes into a small bowl.
6. Place three scallops around and spoon the sauce over the mashed potatoes, making sure to distribute the truffle slices evenly.
Butter Nage
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons plus ½ pound butter
- 1/2 bunch of celery, washed, leaves removed and chopped
- 1 onion, sliced thinly
- 1 bulb fennel, green part removed, sliced thinly
- Parsley stems, if available
- Thyme stems, if available
- 1 teaspoon white peppercorns
- 1/2 Bay leaf
- 3 cups white wine
- Water
Directions
1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
2. Add the celery, onions, fennel, parsley and thyme stems, white peppercorns and bay leaf and sweat over medium heat, being careful not to brown.
3. When the vegetables are translucent and soft, add the white wine. Cook over medium-high heat until the wine is almost completely reduced.
4. Add water just to cover the vegetables and simmer for about 1½ hours. Remove from the heat and strain through a chinois or fine strainer, pushing the liquid with the back of a ladle to extract all of the juices. Note: The stock may be made up to this point several days in advance.
5. To finish the sauce, bring 1 1/2 cups of stock to a boil.
6. Remove from the heat and place in a blender.
7. Add 1/2 pound butter and blend until all the butter is incorporated.
8. The sauce should be smooth and the consistency of slightly reduced cream. Reserve in a warm place.
Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds yellow finn potatoes, washed
- 1/2 pound unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and white pepper
- 2 ounces truffle oil
Directions
1. Place the potatoes in a pot of slightly salted water and cook until tender , but not mushy, approximately 15 minutes.
2. Strain the water out and peel the potatoes while still very warm.
3. Pass the potatoes through a food mill or potato ricer or use a potato masher.
4. Place the milled potatoes into a heavy -bottomed pot and begin to stir with a wooden paddle.
5. Add the butter a little at time, stirring vigorously until the butter is completely incorporated.
6. Add the milk and mix until incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Immediately before serving, stir in 2 ounces of truffle oil and adjust seasonings if necessary.