Ingredients
1 lb. baking potatoes
1 large egg
1/4 c. matzo meal
1/4 c. grated onion
salt
vegetable oil
1 1/2 c. Champagne
9 black peppercorns
3 thyme sprigs
1 bay leaf
1 large shallot
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tbsp. Crème fraîche
1 1/2 stick cold unsalted butter
1 oz. caviar
salt
vegetable oil
20 medium sea scallops
2 tbsp. minced chives
Preparation
Step 1Make the pancakes: Coarsely shred the potatoes and squeeze out any excess liquid. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the egg, matzo meal, onion, and a large pinch of salt. Shape the mixture into 20 scallop-size cakes, about 1/2 inch thick; press the cakes to compress them.Step 2In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil until shimmering. Working in batches, fry the pancakes over moderately high heat until browned and crisp, about 3 minutes per side. Lower the heat if the pancakes brown too quickly and add more oil if necessary. Transfer the pancakes to a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt.Step 3Prepare the scallops and caviar sauce: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. In a small saucepan, combine the Champagne with the peppercorns, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, shallot, and lemon juice and boil over high heat until reduced to 1 tablespoon, about 15 minutes. Strain the sauce into another small saucepan. Stir in the crème fraîche and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the softened butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Stir in the caviar and season lightly with salt. Cover the sauce and keep it warm.Step 4Wipe out the skillet and heat 1/4 inch of oil in it until shimmering. Season the scallops with salt and add half of them to the skillet. Cook over high heat until richly browned, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining scallops.Step 5Rewarm the potato pancakes in the oven. Arrange the pancakes on a platter and set a scallop on each one. Add the chives to the caviar butter sauce and spoon over the scallops. Serve right away.
