Confinement is a traditional Chinese practice in Singapore that is seen as an extremely important time for new mothers to recuperate their bodies after childbirth. During this period, mothers are advised to observe various routines that will aid their recovery. One of which would be taking in confinement food that are supposed to address the nutritional needs of the mother, with some even designed at boosting milk supply. This allows the new mother to get a much needed immunity boost and a quicker recovery from the delivery of her baby. As such, we’ve listed some recipes that will be helpful for mothers going through their confinement period. Read on to learn more about these recipes that are both healthy, and tasty.
#1 Sesame oil chicken 麻油鸡
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kg4jUnio3z8
Sesame oil chicken is a popular confinement food among women during their confinement period. The recipe usually contains sesame oil, ginger and hard liquor because it is believed that “heaty” foods are beneficial for women recuperating from childbirth. While chicken needs no introduction as one of the best sources of protein, it is also able to promote heart health and boosts metabolism. A great source of vitamin E, this recipe is sure to leave you wanting more!
Ingredients
300g chicken
100g black sesame oil
25g red dates
25g wolfberries
100g old ginger
250ml rice wine
A pinch of salt
A pinch of sugar
Directions
Slice old ginger and add into a heated pot
Add in black sesame oil, saute till the edges of the ginger turns brown
Add in chicken
Add salt and sugar
Saute for 5 minutes
Add in rice wine
Add red dates and wolfberries, simmer for 15 minutes
Serve with hot rice
View full recipe here.
#2 Black vinegar pig trotters 猪脚醋
Source : https://youtu.be/qwTXFlvmvM0
A popular Cantonese dish for postnatal mothers during confinement, black vinegar pig’s trotters is a traditional confinement food believed to help replenish collagen, warm the womb and purge “wind” generated during childbirth. The gelatinous pig trotters in sweet black vinegar is a highly appetising and mouth watering dish that is now also commonly seen on the tables of many families.
Ingredients
300g pig trotters
100g old ginger
100g rock sugar
300g black vinegar
10g black sesame oil
2 eggs
Directions
Lightly blanch the pig’s trotters for 3-5 minutes
Wash the foam on the surface and set aside
Boil 2 eggs for 6 minutes, then peel and set aside
Smash large pieces of old ginger
In a heated pot, add in smashed old ginger and rock sugar
Add in black vinegar and saute until aroma is released
Add in blanched pig’s trotters, stir-fry until it has been well coated
Add hard boiled eggs and simmer for 45 minutes
Add in black sesame oil for seasoning
Serve with warm rice
View full recipe here.
#3 Nourishing cordyceps flower with threadfin fish soup 虫草花滋补午鱼汤
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZGQbQVsUTY
Cordyceps flower is a herb that helps to reduce fatigue, boost immunity, and is especially beneficial for a mother’s body after delivery. If you’re searching for nutritious confinement food to boost your stamina, look no further. This soup takes just one hour to simmer on low heat, making it so easy to prepare. A wholesome and nourishing meal best served with hot rice.
Ingredients
20g cordyceps
5g solomonseal rhizome
10g codonopsis root
5g astragalus root
5g dioscorea
3g wolfberry
5g poria
300g threadfish
20g old ginger
2 teaspoon rice wine
A pinch of salt
Directions
Slice old ginger into thin strips.
Lightly blanch the threadfin for 1 minute to remove fishy smells.
Run all herbs under running water gently to remove impurities.
Add washed herbs, rice wine, threadfin and ginger slices into boiling water.
Boil over low heat for an hour.
Add salt to taste.
View full recipe here.
We hope this article has provided you with some inspiration for tasty and nourishing meals during your confinement period. NouRiche understands the importance of good nutrition for new mothers. Browse our extensive confinement food menu, or reach out to learn more about our confinement food delivery services in Singapore today!
