Hot Pot Broth

8 cups water
1 cup onion, sliced
1 cup carrot, sliced
1 cup celery, sliced
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 Tbsp ginger, chopped
1 tsp each:
star anise, clove, peppercorn,
coriander, and cardamom
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup dry sherry

1 lb sea scallops, cleaned
1 bulb fennel, shaved thinly
1/4 cup green onion, sliced thinly

Combine all ingredients for hot pot broth in a large pot
Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 hour, until flavour is developed
Strain and reserve until needed

To Finish:
Bring broth up to a simmer
Heat non-stick pan over high heat, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil, and sear scallops for 1 minute on each side, until nicely browned.
Season with sea salt and remove from heat
Place a 1/4 cup of fennel and a generous pinch of green onions in each bowl.
Place 3 scallops around edges and pour 1 cup of hot broth into each bowl
Serve immediately