Spicy stir-fried cabbage

This is a vegetarian version of a classic Chinese stir-fry. The authentic versions I’ve encountered include some pork or bacon, but the chilies, ginger, garlic, star anise and the cabbage are flavorful enough without meat. I’ve added carrots for color. 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 teaspoons minced ginger 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 star anise, broken in half 2 teaspoons soy sauce (more to taste) 2 tablespoons Shao Hsing rice wine or dry sherry 2 tablespoons peanut or canola oil 1 small cabbage, 1 to 1 1/2 pounds, quartered, cored and cut crosswise into 1/8-inch shreds 1 medium carrot, cut into julienne Salt to taste 2 tablespoons minced chives, Chinese chives or cilantro 1. Combine the garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes and star anise in a small bowl. Combine the soy sauce and wine or sherry in another small bowl. 2. Heat a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok or a 12-inch skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates within a second or two when added to the pan. Swirl in the oil by adding it to the sides of the pan and tilting it back and forth. Add the garlic, ginger, pepper flakes and star anise. Stir-fry for a few seconds, just until fragrant, then add the cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for one to two minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt, then add the salt and wine/soy sauce mixture. Cover and cook over high heat for one minute until just wilted. Uncover and stir-fry for another 30 seconds, then stir in the chives or cilantro and remove from the heat. The cabbage should be crisp-tender. Serve with rice or noodles. Yield: Serves four. Advance preparation: This is a last minute stir-fry, but you can have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go several hours ahead of cooking. Nutritional information per serving: 129 calories; 7 grams fat; 1 gram saturated fat; 0 grams cholesterol; 14 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams dietary fiber; 111 milligrams sodium (does not include salt added during preparation); 3 grams protein