Seared Scallops & Pistachio-Butter Pan Sauce

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 450°F. Fill a medium pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Once boiling, add the rice. Cook, uncovered, 30 to 32 minutes, or until tender. Turn off the heat. Drain thoroughly and return to the pot. Cover to keep warm.  

Meanwhile, cut out and discard the core of the cauliflower; cut into small florets. Peel and thinly slice the shallot. Core and small dice the apple. Roughly chop the onions. Roughly chop the pistachios. Cut the outer sides off the radish to create a flat surface on all sides (the radish will be a square shape). Thinly slice lengthwise. Stack the slices, then cut into 1/4-inch-thick matchsticks. In a bowl, combine the radish sticks, vinegar, and a drizzle of olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Set aside to marinate, stirring occasionally, at least 10 minutes. Thinly slice the chives.

Place the cauliflower florets and whole rosemary sprigs on a sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Arrange in an even layer. Roast 22 to 24 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Remove from the oven. Carefully discard the rosemary sprigs.

Meanwhile, in a medium pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the sliced shallot and diced apple. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened. Add the spinach; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until wilted. Transfer to the pot of cooked rice; stir in the sour cream and chopped onions. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Rinse and wipe out the pan.

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Using your hands, remove and discard the tough side muscle from each scallop. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. In the same pan, heat  2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned scallops. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan, transfer to a plate.

In the same pan, heat the butter on medium-high until melted. Once melted, add the chopped pistachios. Cook, stirring  constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the foam subsides and the butter is fragrant (it should smell nutty and toasted). Add 2 tablespoons of water (carefully, as the liquid may splatter). Cook, stirring frequently and scraping up any fond, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until combined and the liquid is slightly thickened. Turn off the heat. Serve the finished rice topped with the roasted cauliflower and cooked scallops. Top the scallops with the pan sauce. Garnish with the marinated radish (discarding any liquid) and sliced chives. Enjoy!