Scallop and Leek Polka Dots on Purple Mashed Potato

This elegant yet simple dish combines pan-seared scallops with buttery leeks arranged like polka dots atop vibrant purple mashed potatoes. The sweet, tender scallops and delicate leeks create a beautiful contrast against the creamy, earthy purple potatoes for a dish that's as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 pound purple potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 2 tablespoon butter (divided)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 8 large sea scallops
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large leek (white and light green parts only, thinly sliced into rounds)
• 2 tablespoon white wine
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives (minced for garnish)

Instructions

1. Place purple potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes.
2. While potatoes cook, pat scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once hot, add scallops and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon butter to the same pan. Add leek rounds, keeping them intact as circles, and cook until softened but still holding their shape, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add white wine to the pan, scraping up any browned bits, and cook until most liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat.
6. Drain the potatoes and return to the pot. Add remaining tablespoon of butter, heavy cream, salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy.
7. To serve, spread purple mashed potatoes on plates, arrange scallops on top, and carefully place leek rounds between scallops to create a polka dot effect. Sprinkle with chives.

Notes