Seared Scallops on Lemon and Spinach Risotto

Realtor by day, Chef by night's Note:

I love scallops and this is one of my favorites!

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 tablespoon oil
• cracked black pepper and sea salt
• 1 lb scallops (I use the big, fat sea scallops)
• 5 ½ cups vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cups arborio rice
• 2 teaspoons lemon rind , grated
• 6 ½ ounces baby spinach leaves (about 3 cups, well packed)
• cracked black pepper and sea salt
• parmesan cheese , shavings

Directions:

1. To cook the lemon and spinach risotto, place the stock in a saucepan over medium-high heat and allow to come to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
2. Heat the oil in another saucepan over medium high heat. Add the rice and cook for 1 minute. Add the stock, 2 cups at a time, stirring frequently and cooking until all the stock has been absorbed. Continue adding cups of stock until all the stock has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Season with pepper and sea salt and keep risotto warm.
3. Heat the oil in a frying pan over high heat. Sprinkle pepper and sea salt over the scallops. Place scallops in the pan and cook for 20-30 seconds on each side or until seared.
4. To serve, stir the lemon rind and the spinach through the risotto and spoon onto serving plates. Top with the scallops and serve with lemon wedges and parmesan on the side.