Barbecue-Rubbed Scallops with Creamy Sauerkraut Soup

PreparationMake soup: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 5-quart pot over medium heat, then cook bacon and onion, stirring occasionally, until most of bacon fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Add sauerkraut and wine and simmer briskly, uncovered, until most of wine has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Stir in stock and heavy cream, then simmer gently, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mustard, sour cream, and remaining 2 tablespoon butter. Purée soup in batches in a blender until smooth and creamy (use caution when blending hot liquids), then return to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm. Cook scallops: Mix flour, spices, and kosher salt in a bowl. Pat scallops dry, then generously coat one side of each scallop evenly with spice mixture. Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until it shimmers. Cook scallops, plain side down first, turning once, until just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes total. Reserve spiced cooking oil. Divide soup among 6 bowls. Place 2 scallops in each bowl and top with arugula. Drizzle soup with reserved oil. Cooks' notes:•Soup can be made 3 days ahead and chilled. •Spice mixture (for scallops) can be made 1 week ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.

PreparationMake soup: Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 5-quart pot over medium heat, then cook bacon and onion, stirring occasionally, until most of bacon fat is rendered, about 5 minutes. Add sauerkraut and wine and simmer briskly, uncovered, until most of wine has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Stir in stock and heavy cream, then simmer gently, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mustard, sour cream, and remaining 2 tablespoon butter. Purée soup in batches in a blender until smooth and creamy (use caution when blending hot liquids), then return to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm. Cook scallops: Mix flour, spices, and kosher salt in a bowl. Pat scallops dry, then generously coat one side of each scallop evenly with spice mixture. Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until it shimmers. Cook scallops, plain side down first, turning once, until just cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes total. Reserve spiced cooking oil. Divide soup among 6 bowls. Place 2 scallops in each bowl and top with arugula. Drizzle soup with reserved oil. Cooks' notes:•Soup can be made 3 days ahead and chilled. •Spice mixture (for scallops) can be made 1 week ahead and kept in an airtight container at room temperature.