We've enjoyed this a couple of times. Never made the mayo!
Time: 45 minutes
2 cups fish stock
Large pinch saffron threads
12 thin slices baguette
1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil
6 large cloves garlic
1 large egg
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt
Cayenne pepper
1 medium fennel bulb
1 cup finely chopped leek
1 red bell pepper, seeded, cored and finely chopped
1 1/2 cups dry white wine, preferably chardonnay
2 tablespoons Pernod
28 ounces sea scallops, side tendon trimmed.
1. Heat stock in saucepan, add saffron and set aside. Lightly toast baguette slices and brush with 1 tablespoon oil.
2. Turn on food processor, drop 4 cloves garlic in feed tube and let mince. Scrape down. Add egg and process briefly. With machine running, slowly pour in 1 cup olive oil. Mixture will thicken to a mayonnaise. Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice, process briefly and season with salt and cayenne or espalette. Refrigerate. If you prefer not to make the mayonnaise, you can substitute a commercial brand, seasoned with crushed garlic.
3. Reserve 1 tablespoon fennel fronds and mince. Trim and finely chop bulb. Heat remaining oil in a 3- to 4-quart casserole. Add chopped fennel bulb, leek, bell pepper and remaining garlic. Sauté on low heat until soft. Add wine and Pernod. Simmer briefly. Strain fish stock and add. Season with salt and cayenne. Set aside until 10 minutes before serving.
4. Bring broth to a simmer. Add scallops and cook until done, about 4 minutes. On low heat, gradually whisk in reserved mayonnaise. Heat to a gentle simmer but do not boil. Place 2 baguette toast slices in each of 4 soup plates, spoon in bourride and top with another slice of toast and minced fennel fronds. Serve.
Yield: 4 servings.
