2 pnds. mixed heirloom tomatoes 24 fresh basil leaves
3 medium onions, cut into 1-inch thick slices Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 5-6 T extra-virgin olive oil 12 giant diver scallops (about 2 ounces each) Maldon salt or other coarse sea salt 1 lemon cut in halfScoring the scallops before grilling makes them open up like a flower. The trick here is to cook the scallops 90 percent on the first side, until very well seared, then just give them a quick finish on the other side.
Preheat a gas grill or prepare a fire in a charcoal grill. Place a piastra on the grill to heat. Note: This recipe calls for a piastra to cook the scallops on, which is a flat stone or metal surface heated on the grill until super hot. You can use a flat cast-iron griddle or a large cast-iron pan if you don't own a piastra. Let the surface heat for 10-15 minutes, covered, before grilling. Slice the tomatoes creatively (leave very small ones whole, or halve them) and lay out on a platter. Tear the basil leaves over the tomatoes, strewing them about. Set aside. Season the onion slices on both sides with salt and pepper. Place them on the hot dry piastra and cook, unmoved, for 7 to 10 minutes, until well charred on the first side. Using tongs, carefully turn the slices over and cook for 7 to 10 minutes on the second side, until well charred and softened. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly, then separate the onion slices into smaller rings and scatter them over the tomatoes. Drizzle the whole mess with 3-4 tablespoons of the olive oil. While the onions cook, carve a checkerboard pattern about 1/4 inch deep into one side of each scallop. Season the scallops all over with salt and pepper, toss them in a bowl with the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, and stir gently to coat. Place the scallops on the dry clean piastra, design side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes, unmoved, until almost cooked-they should be opaque almost all the way through. Flip them over and sear for just 30 seconds, then remove and arrange on the tomato salad. Sprinkle the scallops and tomatoes with Maldon salt, squeeze the lemon halves over them and serve. Serves 6