Nyonya Ulam-Ulam Recipe

Eating galangal and raw young turmeric can help to get rid postpartum 'wind' in the body, improve blood circulation and contract uterus back to its original size. Salted fish is taken on first 3 days of the post-natal period to replace fresh fish which usually being shun during first 2 weeks of confinement. Some Chinese believe taking fresh fish early will infuse 'fishy' odor to mother's blood.

Ingredients :

• 100g good quality salted Kurau fish ('Kiam Hu')
  
  Galangal & dried shrimp paste (lengkuas belachan)

• 10g dried shrimp paste (belachan)

• 50g galangal (lengkuas), sliced

• 80g fresh young turmeric roots

Method :

1. Scrap the skin off the young turmeric roots, set aside.

2. Heat oil in a wok, pan fry salted fish till crispy, set aside. The traditional way is to toast over charcoal fire until fragrant and turning golden brown.

3. Season with soy sauce, then serve hot.
   
   To prepare galangal & dried shrimp paste (lengkuas belachan) :

4. Flatten the dried shrimp paste (belachan) and toast over a slow charcoal fire until aromatic. Keep turning over to prevent burning the dried shrimp paste (belachan).

5. With a mortar and pestle, pound the galangal finely and then pound in the toasted dried shrimp paste (belachan) until fine.
   
   To serve :

6. Place a steaming hot bowl of rice on a plate and eat with galangal & dried shrimp paste (lengkuas belachan), fresh turmeric and toasted salted fish.

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