Ulli Lehyam: Post-Childbirth Superfood (Traditional Kerala Recipe)

By Gopika T R

Sometimes, new mothers forget an important fact – Right nutrition is just as important after child-birth as it during pregnancy. Post-delivery the body needs time to heal and a balanced lifestyle can nourish you and keep you healthy thus preparing for the physical demands for the early motherhood phase.

Let us go through a traditional Kerala post-delivery recipe using shallots which has been tried and tested over generations. Shallots are used in South Indian cuisine extensively. It is used in several ayurvedic concoctions as well due to its health benefits. This anti-oxidant rich, unassuming superfood is full of fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Also, read:  Why your Newborn Baby is Crying?

SHALLOTS HERBAL PASTE

Ingredients

• Shallots (2 kg)
• Garlic (1/4 kg)
• Coconut milk (only use the first milk)
• Jaggery (1 ½ kg)

Preparation procedure

1. Peel the onions (shallots) and garlic and place them in the cooker to boil.
2. On the first whistle, turn the gas off and open the lid of the cooker.
3. Meanwhile, melt the jaggery to obtain its syrup.
4. Pour the jaggery syrup into the cooker and combine it with the boiled shallot and garlic.
5. Then pour the coconut milk into the mixture and mix until it becomes a paste (halwa like consistency).
6. Turn off the gas before the mixture become too dry otherwise, it becomes even drier when cooled.

Benefits for new mothers from using this paste

• When consumed post-pregnancy it helps to shrink the uterus back to normal and makes it regain its strength.
• It helps to cleanse the uterine tracts.
• It helps to cleanse the blood by increasing the haemoglobin content in the blood
• Being rich in antioxidants the use of red shallots in this recipe helps new mothers to gain the following benefit
• Improved blood sugar levels
• Improved circulation
• Improve seasonal allergies
• Improved heart and bone health
• Helps to fight off germs
• Promote weight management

Please note: Always check with your gynaecologist if you have any other health issues before trying out this recipe.

The ulli lehyam has a thick but soft consistency and can be refrigerated for a couple of days. Those early, sleep-deprived days soon after the child-birth can be overwhelming-both physically and emotionally. Avoid the temptation to do everything at once. You obviously want to focus on the baby, but make sure that you listen to your body and mind. Do not hesitate to call your doctor if something does not seem right.

Eat well, get all the help you can, rest and relax (however impossible it seems to sound) and remember you are amazing.