
Try these revitalising recipes from Thomson Medical’s own confinement cookbook. These two recipes* are full of protein – perfect for recovering mums.
HONG ZAO FISH
Fish is a great source of protein, which aids in tissue development and repair
INGREDIENTS
- 1 red snapper fillet
- 20g ginger (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp hong zao (red glutinous wine leaves)
- 1 tbsp glutinous rice wine
- 100ml water
- ½ tbsp light soya sauce
- ½ tbsp brown sugar
- 1 stalk coriander leaf
- 3 stalks lettuce leaves
- Dash of salt and pepper
PREPARATION
- Marinate fish with salt and pepper.
- Pan fry fish lightly, and set aside.
- Heat up sesame oil in pan, add in ginger and garlic, and sauté till fragrant.
- Add in hong zao and stir fry over a low fire. Add in brown sugar, light soya sauce, water and glutinous rice wine.
- Add the fried fish and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Put fish on top of lettuce leaves and garnish with coriander. Serve hot.
BAKED HERBAL CHICKEN
Dang shen and dang gui help to nourish the blood and boost vitality
INGREDIENTS
- 1 chicken thigh (200–250g)
- 5 red dates
- 4 sticks of dang shen
- 5g yu zhu (polygonatum root)
- 1 stalk coriander leaf
Marinade:
- 1 tbsp hua diao wine
- 1 tbsp light soya sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp dang gui (Chinese angelica root) powder
- ½ tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tbsp grated ginger
PREPARATION
- Soak the dang shen and yu zhu in hot water for 15–20 minutes.
- Prepare the marinade.
- Combine marinade ingredients and marinate chicken with the sauce for 2–3 hours. Turn the chicken halfway through the marinating process to ensure the sauce is absorbed evenly.
- On a piece of aluminium foil, place a small amount of sauce over the chicken and lay the rest of the ingredients over the chicken and wrap.
- Bake at high heat (180°C–200°C) for 35–45 minutes. The duration of cooking depends on the size of the chicken thigh.
- Alternatively, this dish can be steamed.
- Garnish with coriander leaf before serving.
*Both dishes are recommended for consumption 2 weeks after delivery
For a whole host of healthy and delicious confinement food recipes, check out Nourishment From Within, which can be purchased at the ParentCraft Retail Shop or online at thomsonbaby.com.
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