Here's a nourishing confinement recipe for postpartum mommies! Sesame oil chicken (麻油鸡) with black fungus, red dates, goji berries and Chicken essence.
It's one of my favourite comfort food after I had the first taste from my mother's confinement meals many years ago. The Chinese believe that sesame oil and ginger help to expel wind and bring warmth to our bodies which is very much needed postpartum. Malay and Indian dishes rely on herbs and spices for the same effect. I have this dish at least once a month, especially during that time of the month.
Ingredients (serves 1 adult):
Thumb sized ginger, sliced or shredded
5-8 garlic cloves, smashed lightly (set aside for 10-15 minutes to release allicin)
2 tbsp Sesame oil
1 tbsp Olive oil
2 pcs Chicken thigh/drumstick, preferably chopped into bite sizes
1 large piece of black fungus, rinsed, rehydrated and sliced
A handful of goji berries, rehydrated
1/2 cup water
1 large tub Chicken essence
Method:
1. Sauté ginger and garlic in sesame and olive oil till fragrant.
2. Add chicken, and continue to sauté till outside is cooked.
3. Add water, black fungus and Chicken #AnyaMealsStock and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer.
4. Check if chicken is done by poking with a fork. If juices run clear, it is cooked.
5. Add goji berries.
Serve with a sprinkle of white pepper. Perfect accompaniment to a hot bowl of rice and loads of vegetables by the side.
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