Mirin, a sweetened Japanese cooking wine, adds a sweet accent to the fresh flavors of this shrimp and vegetable stir-fry. Carrots and turnips are good cool-weather substitutes for the zucchini and peppers.

Makes 6 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 35 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 35 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
2 small zucchini, chopped
1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeño pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons lime juice
3/4 cup fish stock or reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons mirin or cream sherry (see Note)
2 large vine-ripened tomatoes, seeded and chopped
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
3 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

1. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper and zucchini; cook until barely tender, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a dish and reserve.
2. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan and increase heat to medium-high. When oil is hot but not smoking, add shrimp and jalapeño; sauté until the shrimp are nicely browned, 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a dish and set aside.
3. Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to the pan, then add shallot, ginger and garlic; sauté until the mixture is soft but not brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in wine and lime juice; boil until reduced to a glaze, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour in stock (or broth) and mirin (or sherry); boil until reduced to 2 tablespoons, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Dissolve cornstarch in water in a small bowl; whisk into simmering mixture and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to low, add scallions, cilantro, the reserved vegetable mixture and shrimp (with their juices) to the pan and just heat through. Season with salt and pepper.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 228 calories; 7 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 173 mg cholesterol; 11 g carbohydrate; 25 g protein; 2 g fiber; 244 mg sodium; 568 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (125% daily value), Selenium (62% dv), Vitamin A (54% dv), Iron (19% dv), Potassium & Magnesium (16% dv).
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 1/2 vegetable, 3 lean meat

TIP: Note: Mirin is a sweet, low-alcohol rice wine essential in Japanese cooking. Look for it in your supremarket with the Asian or gourmet ingredients.

Cream sherry is a fortified wine used to flavor sauces. Find it near other fortified wines in your wine or liquor store. Opened bottles will keep in a cool, dry place for months.