Servings: 4

6 oz. uncooked orzo pasta 6 oz. uncooked orzo pasta
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, DIVIDED ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil, DIVIDED
3 T. olive oil,  DIVIDED 3 T. olive oil,  DIVIDED
1 t. KOSHER salt, DIVIDED 1 t. KOSHER salt, DIVIDED
1/2 t. ground black pepper, DIVIDED ½ t. ground black pepper, DIVIDED
1 C. pre-chopped yellow onion 1 C. pre-chopped yellow onion
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 pints cherry tomatoes 2 pints cherry tomatoes
1 lb sea scallops 1 lb sea scallops

For the Orzo: subheading: For the Orzo:
Cook orzo according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
Instant Pot - 6 oz. orzo, about ¾ c. chicken broth, set it at 5 minutes.  No need to drain.
Place orzo in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of basil, 1 T. oil, ½ t. salt (or less) and ¼ t. pepper.
Stir to combine.  Set aside
For the sauce: subheading: For the sauce:
Heat 1 T. oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat.  Add onion and garlic;
Cook stirring often, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
Add tomatoes, ¼ t. salt, remaining 2 T. basil and the remaining ¼ t. pepper.
Cook, stirring often until tomatoes burst and sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. (use the back of a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes, if necessary)
For the scallops: subheading: For the scallops:
Heat remaining 1 T. oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high.
Pat scallops dry and sprinkle evenly with remaining ¼ t. salt.
Place scallops in pan in a single layer; cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side.
Divide orzo mixture among 4 plates.  Top with scallops.  Spoon sauce over orzo mixture and around the scallops

28Sep2019 - This was delicious.  Make again.  28Sep2019 - This was delicious.  Make again.
12Nov2019- I made the orzo using the Instant Pot.  12Nov2019- I made the orzo using the Instant Pot.