scallops with Wilted Spinach and Arugula
Ingredients

Serves 4.

    * 16 large sea scallops (about 1 1/4 pounds), rinsed and dried, tough muscles removed
    * 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt
    * 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
    * 3 tablespoons safflower oil
    * 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced lengthwise
    * 7 ounces baby spinach (about 10 cups)
    * 7 ounces baby arugula (about 10 cups)
    * 1/4 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes

    
Directions

   1. Heat a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle scallops with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in skillet. Arrange scallops in skillet, and cook on 1 side until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Flip, and cook until scallops are opaque, 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.
   2. Reduce heat to medium, and add remaining tablespoon oil to skillet. Add garlic, and cook for 15 seconds. Add spinach, arugula, red-pepper flakes, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Cook, tossing greens often, until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a platter, top with scallops, and serve immediately.

Fixed Mother's Day weekend, 2009