Recipe adapted from Mario Batali's Italian Grill
~From Savoring Time in the Kitchen
Serves 6 (I halved the recipe for my husband and myself)
2 pounds tomatoes, fresh from the garden or Farmers' Market would be ideal
24 fresh basil leaves
3 medium red onions, cut into 1 inch slices
Kosher salt and black pepper, freshly ground
5-6 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
About 2 pounds of sea scallops
Fleur de Sel
1 lemon, halved
Preheat the grill. Place a flat griddle or grill pan (Mario uses a granite 'piastra') on the grill to preheat.
Slice the tomatoes attractively, leaving the very small ones whole or halved and arrange them on a platter. Tear the basil leaves into strips and sprinkle over the tomatoes. Set aside.
Season the onion slices with salt and pepper and place them on the hot, dry griddle and cook without moving for 7 to 10 minutes or well charred on the first side. Using tongs, carefully turn the slices over and cook for 7 to 10 minutes on the other side. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly, then separate the onion slices into rings and scatter them over the tomatoes and basil. Drizzle the platter with 3-4 tablespoons of the olive oil.
While the onions cook, carve a checkerboard pattern about 1/4 inch deep into one side of each scallop. place the scallops in a bowl and season on both sides with salt and pepper, then toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and gentle stir to coat them.
Place the scallops on the dry, clean griddle, design side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes, without moving, until almost cooked. They should be opaque almost throughout. Flip them over and sear for about 30 seconds and remove from the grill. Arrange them over the tomato and onion salad.
Squeeze the juice from the lemon halves over the scallops and tomatoes, sprinkle with Fleur de Sel, and serve.