Main Dish

Poached Shrimp in Ginger Broth

1 pound raw, shell-on jumbo (16-20 count) shrimp

1 small red chili pepper, such as a ripe jalapeno

2 scallions

1 small clove garlic

1 1/2-inch piece ginger root

2 cups loosely packed fresh mung bean sprouts

1/3 cup packed cilantro leaves

1/3 cup packed flat-leaf parsley leaves (may substitute Thai basil leaves)

4 cups homemade or no-salt-added chicken broth

2 teaspoons fish sauce, or to taste, for garnish

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, for garnish

Bring about 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat.

Meanwhile, peel, devein and lightly rinse the shrimp. Stem and seed the red chili pepper, then cut it crosswise into very thin slices. Trim the scallions, then cut the white and light-green parts into thin slices. Mince the garlic. Peel the ginger, then cut it into wide slices or slivers.

Reduce the heat to low, add the shrimp and cook uncovered for 1 or 2 minutes, until they are just barely opaque.

Place the bean sprouts in a large colander. Carefully pour the shrimp and their cooking water over the sprouts (discarding the water), then transfer the sprouts and shrimp to individual serving bowls. Scatter the cilantro, parsley, scallions, garlic and the chili pepper (to taste) over each portion.

Heat the broth and ginger in the same pot (no need to rinse it out). Bring just to a boil over high heat. Pour over the shrimp-and-sprout mixture. Drizzle with the fish sauce and toasted sesame oil. Serve right away. Makes 2-3 servings.

Per serving (based on 3): 230 calories, 36 g protein, 8 g carbohydrates, 5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 265 mg cholesterol, 410 mg sodium, 2 g dietary fiber, 4 g sugar.