As we mentioned in our previous blog post: Best (and Worst) Foods for Nerve Pain, changing your diet could help provide relief for nerve pain and neuropathy. There are many foods with what are considered “anti-inflammatory” properties that can work to calm and soothe oversensitive nerves. Conversely, there are also foods that can intensify inflammation and your neuropathy symptoms.
To expand on that topic, we are starting a blog series highlighting some of our favorite recipes featuring ingredients that can help manage your nerve pain. Bon Appetit!
Chickpea Soup with Garlic and Leafy Greens
This recipe for Chickpea Soup with Garlic and Leafy Greens features some of our favorite anti-inflammatory and good-for-you ingredients. It has lean protein from chickpeas, fiber and nutrient-rich leafy green vegetables, vitamin C from the lemon, and of course garlic, which is rich in sulfur compounds, particularly allicin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. It can also be made vegetarian (vegan without the sprinkle of cheese), and it’s low-sodium and gluten-free!
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 40 min
Total Time: 50 min
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- Two 15-ounce cans chickpeas (drained, not rinsed)
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 or 5 large garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ¾ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable stock or chicken broth
- 4 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach (one 6-oz bag)
- ½ cup roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 large lemon, cut in half
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
- Drain the chickpeas, reserving ½ cup of their liquid. Do not rinse.
- In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and season with a pinch of salt (about ¼ – ½ teaspoon). Cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the cumin, coriander, paprika, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, and black pepper, stirring regularly for about 30 seconds.
- Add the chickpeas to the pot and stir to coat with the spices. Using a potato masher or the back of a sturdy fork, roughly mash some of the chickpeas.
- Add the vegetable or chicken stock and the reserved chickpea liquid. Bring to a boil, then continue to boil for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and partly cover the pot with the lid. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Turn off the heat. Add the fresh spinach and parsley, stir and let sit for 1 minute, until the spinach wilts. Squeeze half of a lemon into the soup, stir and taste, adding more lemon juice if desired.
- Transfer the soup to serving bowls and top each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a bit of grated cheese. Serve with crusty bread if desired.
Recipe Inspired by: The Mediterranean Dish
In addition to a healthy diet, lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, quitting smoking, and controlling your blood sugar can also help manage your nerve pain.
Nerve pain can be a symptom of a number of different issues, such as infection, diabetes, acute injury, and more. While sticking to certain foods and maintaining a healthy diet overall may help address the cause or prevent exacerbation of your nerve pain, they are only one part of a treatment plan for neuropathy. Talk to your physician about the best options for treating your pain, and always consult with your healthcare provider about your dietary restrictions before implementing any changes.
If you have back pain, joint pain, neck pain, or any other type of pain, give us a call or you can request a consultation and we’ll discuss your options.
