Scallop Bisque

Ingredients

• 5 lb. bones and trimmings from a non-oily fish, such as red snapper or flounder
• 2 carrots, peeled and halved
• 2 onions, halved
• 3 stalks celery, halved
• 2 cups dry white wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 stalk lemongrass, coarsely chopped
• Salt
• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. large sea scallops
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp. chopped chives

Instructions

1. Make a stock by combining fish parts, carrots, onions, celery, wine, bay leaves, lemongrass, and salt to taste with 8 cups water in a large stockpot. Bring to a simmer, skim foam, and cook for 40 minutes. Strain. Return stock to pot and simmer until reduced by half.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until very hot but not smoking. Sear scallops about 1 minute on each side. Set aside.
3. Strain stock into a heavy saucepan. Add cream. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Add scallops. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with chives.