Sea Scallops With Corn Coulis & Tomatoes

Step 1: Cook shallot and garlic in 2 teaspoons oil in a small skillet over moderately low heat, stirring, until softened, about 1 minute. Add corn, basil, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until corn is tender and beginning to brown on edges, about 4 minutes. Add milk and scrape up the brown bits from bottom of skillet, then remove from heat. Set the used pan aside for later use.

Step 2: Purée corn mixture in a blender at medium speed until very smooth, about 1 minute. Force purée through a fine-mesh sieve into the small skillet, pressing hard, and then discarding solids. Cover coulis until ready to serve.

Step 3: Toss tomatoes with parsley and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl.

Step 4: Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté the scallops, turning over once, until golden and just cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes total. Meanwhile, reheat coulis over low heat. Add milk, if needed, to desired spreading consistency.

Step 5: To serve, spoon half the coulis onto center of two plates. Arrange 5 scallops per plate in a circle on coulis, then spoon tomatoes into center. Or arrange decoratively on the plate in any manner you prefer.