Shrimp Fra Diavolo

Adapted from a recipe by acclaimed chef and cookbook author Lidia Bastianich, this version is a little leaner but still delicious. Serve a cup of spinach on each plate; then pile on the shrimp, beautifully wilting the lovely bed of spinach; finally, accompany with Whole Wheat and Flaxseed Baguettes (see here) for an easy meal. For a heartier dish, serve with whole wheat linguini or spaghetti . . . and for a vegetarian or vegan option, use tofu or other vegetable protein in place of the shrimp.

Serves 4 • Prep Time: 5 minutes • Cook Time: 15 minutes

 

3  tablespoons olive oil

4  cloves garlic, minced

2  pounds jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

Salt and pepper

2  (16-ounce) cans Italian plum tomatoes, chopped, with juice

1/2  teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2  cup or one handful fresh basil leaves, torn

4  cups baby spinach

2  tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley, for garnish

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the garlic about 1 minute, until golden. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook, turning once, for about 3 minutes, until lightly golden and opaque. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. With a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a plate to keep warm.
2. Stir the tomatoes into the pan and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes and continue to cook for about 5 minutes longer, until the sauce is lightly thickened.
3. Stir in the shrimp and basil and cook for about 1 minute, until the shrimp are heated through. To serve, place 1 cup of spinach on each plate. Top with one-fourth of the shrimp mixture, and garnish each serving with parsley.

Calories 140 • Total Fat 6g • Saturated Fat 1g • Carbohydrates 3g • Protein 15g • Dietary Fiber 1g • Sodium 200mg

 

DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS?

Acupuncture may ease joint pain associated with some breast cancer treatments.

 

Researchers at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center have found that acupuncture is effective in reducing joint pain and stiffness in breast cancer patients who are being treated with commonly used hormonal therapies.

In a study report released on August 23, 2010, by the medical center, forty-three women receiving an aromatase inhibitor for early breast cancer received either true acupuncture or a “pretend” acupuncture twice a week for six weeks. All had also reported musculoskeletal pain.

The participants being treated with true acupuncture experienced a significant improvement in joint pain and stiffness over the course of the study. In addition, 20 percent of the patients who had reported taking pain relief medications reported that they no longer needed to take these medications following acupuncture treatment. Participants who received the pretend acupuncture did not report improvements in their pain.

“This study suggests that acupuncture may help women manage the joint pain and stiffness that can accompany aromatase inhibitor treatment,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Katherine Crew.

Studies show that acupuncture may:

Help relieve fatigue

Control hot flashes

Help decrease nausea

Reduce vomiting

Lessen pain

In acupuncture, sterile, hair-thin needles are inserted into specific points on the skin, called “acupuncture points,” and then gently moved. Researchers propose that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release natural painkillers and immune system cells, which then travel to weakened areas of the body and relieve symptoms.

Note: Anyone who has had lymph nodes removed from under an arm should not have needles inserted into that arm. If acupuncture is used on the arm, there is a risk of lymphedema, swelling caused by an excess of fluid in the arm. Talk to the acupuncturist about other treatments that could be used on that arm, such as aromatherapy.