Scallops with Avocado Salsa

By charlotteh371

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup finely shredded basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, minced
• 1 jalapeño—halved, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2 Hass avocados (10 ounces each)?peeled, pitted and cut into 1/2-inch dice
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 pounds sea scallops
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Preparation

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the basil, lime juice, olive oil, onion, jalapeño and garlic. With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the avocados and season with salt and pepper.

2
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil until shimmering. Season the scallops with salt and pepper and cook over high heat until browned outside but still rare in the center, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer the scallops to a warmed platter.

3
Add the water and tomatoes to the skillet and cook over moderately high heat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, until the water has reduced to 2 tablespoons, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Pour the pan sauce over the scallops and serve the avocado salsa on the side.