Seared Sea Scallops with Celery Root and Sun-Dried Tomato Purée

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add celery root, garlic, and salt to the water. Boil for 20 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and transfer to a food processor.

Add all of the remaining puree ingredients (except scallops) to the food processor and blend until smooth.

Place about 1/2 cup of the puree on each plate.

Make sure your scallops are dry before cooking. Pat them with a paper towel if they are not. Heat a skillet over medium high heat until almost smoking. Salt and pepper each side of the scallops. Place scallops on the pan and cook for 2 minutes on the first side. Don’t touch them while they cook! Flip and sear the other side for 2 more minutes. Scallops are done when juices run clear. Transfer cooked scallops atop the purée and serve hot.

Makes 2 plates.