Golden saffron and a bounty of herbs and summer vegetables make this a beautiful and fresh-tasting dish. Don't overseason; let the flavors sing.

Makes 4 servings, 1 1/2 cups saute & 1 cup rice each

ACTIVE TIME: 40 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

2 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4-1/2 teaspoon saffron threads (see Ingredient Note)
1 cup long-grain brown rice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 medium yellow summer squash, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 pound raw shrimp (21-25 per pound), peeled and deveined
1/3 cup tightly packed fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Freshly ground pepper to taste

1. Bring water, 1/2 teaspoon salt and saffron to taste to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add rice, return to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, 40 to 45 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
2. About 10 minutes before the rice is done, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender (do not brown), 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in shrimp and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Stir in mint and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in lemon juice; remove from heat. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Serve over the rice.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 350 calories; 10 g fat (2 g sat, 6 g mono); 168 mg cholesterol; 42 g carbohydrate; 24 g protein; 5 g fiber; 790 mg sodium; 654 mg potassium.

Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (50% daily value), Magnesium (32% dv), Potassium (19% dv), Folate & Vitamin A (15% dv).

2 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings

Exchanges: 2 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 3 very lean meat, 1 fat

TIP: Ingredient Note: Saffron, the world's most expensive spice, is the dried stigma of a crocus and contributes a pungent flavor and intense yellow color to food. It is sold in threads and powdered form.

I loved this recipe - it was simple to make, and it looked beautiful and tasted fresh and healthy. The mint and lemon flavors really brighten the whole thing.

Raedia, Arlington, MA