TMJ Recipe: Butternut Squash Dumpling Soup

Butternut squash as the base for soup recipes creates a sweet and nutty flavor, a creamy consistency and a bowlful of nutrients! This satisfying butternut squash dumpling soup is brimming with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Its colorful presentation makes it a perfect choice for holiday gatherings. Butternut squash is fat-free, high in fiber, low in sodium and is an excellent source of both vitamins A and C. Those with TMJ disorder or bruxism (teeth-grinding and clenching) may suffer with jaw pain. Following a soft plant-based diet is beneficial. This recipe fits the bill. Bon Appetit!

Choose organic ingredients when available:

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup mushrooms, cleaned & sliced
• 3 carrots, cleaned and chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (if needed)
• 3 cups low-sodium butternut squash soup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 9 frozen vegan or vegetarian dumplings
• 9 large frozen red shrimp, thawed
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• Handful baby spinach (about 1-cup)

Instructions:

In a large saucepan, sweat onions with mushrooms and carrots for about 10 minutes. If needed, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add butternut squash soup, water and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and then add the dumplings. Lower the heat and simmer for 7 minutes. Add shrimp and optional hot pepper flakes. Simmer for 3 minutes more. Add a handful of spinach. Turn off heat and stir the spinach into the soup to wilt the spinach. Serves 3.

What is TJz Balm™?

An organic and botanical topical night-time pain relief balm to combat teeth grinding, jaw pain, and promote sleep, especially during the pandemic, leaving skin silky soft thanks to natural ingredients. This FDA-OTC drug contains a unique formula derived from seven plants including organic lavender, ginger, and jojoba.

Most name-brand OTC topical pain relief formulas use synthetic chemical ingredients that may be detrimental to your skin, whereas TJz Balm™ is made with 100 percent botanical ingredients that are soothing for delicate areas of the jaw, neck and behind the ears.  TJz Balm™ is manufactured in the USA with global ingredients, is dermatologist reviewed and GMO-free, and uses no animal-testing. The hands-free massaging applicator helps to relax the jaw while applying the pain relief balm.