Venetian Shrimp and Scallops

Ingredients

Shrimp and Scallops:

• 1 pound sea scallops
• 1/4 cup flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon (1 turn around the pan) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 large shallot, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth or stock
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes in juice
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 12 leaves fresh basil, shredded or torn
• 1 lemon, zested
• Hot, crusty bread, for plate mopping
• Serving Suggestions: Asparagus with Prosciutto
• Dessert Suggestions: Lemon sorbet dessert cups

Directions

Lightly coat the sea scallops in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Discard remaining flour.

Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil (1 turn around the pan) and butter. When butter melts into oil, add scallops. Brown scallops 2 minutes on each side, then remove from pan.

Add an additional drizzle of olive oil to the pan and add the garlic, shallots, and crushed red pepper flakes. Reduce heat a little and saute garlic and shallots 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add wine to the pan and free up any pan drippings. Reduce wine 1 minute, then add stock, tomatoes and saffron threads. When liquids come to a bubble, add shrimp and cook 3 minutes. Return scallops to the pan and cook shrimp and scallops 2 to 3 minutes longer. Transfer shrimp and scallops to a warm serving dish and top with basil and lemon zest. Pass plenty of bread to enjoy the juices.