Have you found yourself wondering whether you have atypical COVID-19 symptoms such as loss of taste and smell? Sjogren's Syndrome (SS)'s attack on the moisture-producing glands, including salivary glands, can make you feel like you are continuously fighting the COVID-19 virus. People living with Sjögren's Syndrome and patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancers often experience loss of taste and smell due to severe dry mouth. Saliva and nasal mucus are essential to maintain the normal function of taste buds in the oral mucosa and the olfactory cells in the nasal cavity.
Here is a quick and easy recipe to stimulate your sense of taste and smell! A savoury treat from my Pakistani mom-in-law.
30-Minute Anti-inflammatory Spicy Shrimp
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
*4 - 5 Servings
Ingredients:
4 Tablespoons Extra Virgen Olive Oil (EVOO)
3 Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 Tablespoon garlic, chopped or garlic paste
2 Tablespoon ginger, grated
1 Jalapeño pepper, chopped, seeded (optional)
1 teaspoon EACH: coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon chaat masala (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
16 ounces shrimp, peeled, cooked
Chopped cilantro, cooked basmati rice or gluten-free tortilla
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil over a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and saute until translucent. Gently add the tomatoes. Stir the tomatoes and onions and let them cook for about 2 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, coriander powder, turmeric, cumin, red pepper flakes and chat masala (optional). Simmer in low-medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir the mix and add 1/4 cup of water if needed.
3. Add bell peppers and Jalapeno pepper (optional). Cook for 2 minutes. Add shrimp, coriander, and lemon juice. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Serve with basmati rice, wild rice or gluten-free corn tortilla.
Extra tips:
✔ Use1/2 cup canned crushed tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes to minimize chopping.
✔ Double-up the quantities, freeze in containers and save a wholesome meal for those flare-up days.
Have you applied to the Let's Get Real Anti-inflammatory Nutrition & Lifestyle Program? Apply here. I would love to hear from you