Scallops a la Provencale

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 560g tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 20 scallops, fresh or frozen, patted dry
• 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh bread crumb
• Fresh flat-leaf parsley, to garnish

In a nonstick skillet, warm the olive oil over low heat.

Add the chopped onion and cook slowly, covered, for 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent.

Add the tomatoes, then cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and pulpy.

In a skillet, heat the oil, then add the butter over high heat. When it has melted and is sizzling, add the scallops to the pan and fry over high heat for 2 minutes on each side.

Remove and drain off the excess oil on crumpled paper towels.

Off the heat, add garlic to the hot skillet and stir.

Add the parsley and bread crumbs and mix well.

To serve, place a small mound of the tomato in the center of each plate and arrange five scallops around it. Top with the garlic mixture and serve immediately, garnished with the parsley leaves.