Besides their shape, star fruit and star anise don't have a lot in common: One is a tropical fruit; the other is an Eastern, licorice-scented spice. They do complement each other, though, and here we're pairing them with cooked shrimp and angel-hair pasta.
These ingredients may be unfamiliar to some, but they are not difficult to find. Star fruit, technically known as carambola, is sold in larger supermarkets, as well as produce markets and specialty stores .
Star anise also can be found in larger supermarkets, as well as spice shops and the spice section of World Market stores (where a bag costs about $1).
Two caveats about carambola: Florida's crop was damaged from Hurricane Wilma, so supplies may be erratic and/or pricey. Also, carambola contains a chemical that can cause life-threatening reactions in some patients with advanced kidney disease, noted Janeen Leon, a renal dietitian with the Renal Network in Indianapolis. You can substitute seedless grapes or diced mango for the star fruit.
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Tips
If you don't have a spice grinder, you can finely chop the star anise or crush it with a mortar and pestle.
Thinly sliced red or yellow bell pepper can be used instead of the peapods.
Whole-grain pasta will add fiber to the entree.
Beverage pairing
Riesling or viognier would pair nicely with these tropical flavors. Tonic water with lime also would work.
Starstruck Shrimp With Angel Hair
Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes Yield: 4 servings
(Carambola does not need to be peeled; just remove the seeds.)
u 1 pound frozen, peeled, cooked shrimp
u 1/2 pound angel-hair pasta
u 1 tablespoon each: vegetable oil, toasted sesame oil
u 6 green onions, chopped
u 3 cloves garlic, minced
u 1 cup snow peas
u 4 whole star anise, ground or finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon each ground ginger and cinnamon
u 1 teaspoon salt
u Freshly ground pepper
u 1 carambola (star fruit), diced, plus a few star-shaped slices reserved
u Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce
Place shrimp in a large bowl of water to thaw. Cook pasta according to package directions.
Meanwhile, heat oils in a wok or large skillet over high heat; add the onions, garlic and snow peas. Stir-fry until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add the star anise, salt and pepper to taste; stir-fry 30 seconds. Drain shrimp. Add shrimp and carambola to wok; stir-fry until hot, 1 minute.
Drain pasta; add to wok. Toss. Distribute among 4 serving bowls; garnish with carambola slices. Drizzle with soy sauce.
Per serving: 375 calories, 22 percent of calories from fat, 9 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 168 mg cholesterol, 47 g carbohydrates, 27 g protein, 783 mg sodium, 4 g fiber.
