Seared Scallops With White Beans and Bacon

Epi Curious's Note:

Clipped from The Best Life magazine, this high protein dish is a quick meal that packs in a lot of flavor without a lot of calories, carbs or fat, and it's also low sodium. Resist the urge to move the scallops around as they sear. They'll develop a better crust if they stay in place. Also, you can swap in a bunch of leaf spinach for the baby spinach; just wash it well and tear off the tough stems before using.

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 4

Yield: 4.0

• 2 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
• 1/2 red onion, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 21 ounces white beans, rinsed and drained (1.5 cans)
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 lb large scallop
• salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 lemon, juice of

Directions:

1. Heat a medium saucepan on low and cook the bacon until it begins to crisp. Pour off some of the bacon fat and add the onion and garlic. Saute' them until the onion is soft and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the white beans and spinach; cook until the beans are hot and the spinach is wilted. Keep warm.
2. Heat a large cast iron skillet or saute' pan on medium high. Blot the scallops dry with a paper towel and season them on both sides with salt and pepper. Add the butter to the pan. After it melts, add the scallops. Sear them 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they're deeply caramelized.
3. Before serving, add the lemon juice to the beans, along with some salt and pepper. Divide the beans among four warm bowls or plates and top with scallops.