Postpartum recovery is a crucial time to nourish your body with the right food as what you eat can significantly impact your healing and energy levels.

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While traditional Malay confinement food often focuses on restoring warmth and balance in the body with dishes like kunyit (turmeric) chicken and ginger-infused soups, these modern recipes take it up a notch by adding variety and convenience–perfect for the busy, modern Muslim mum.

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Looking for some inspiration? Check out these top seven halal confinement food recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and, most importantly, nutritious. 

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1. Shawarma Chicken Skewers with Pumpkin Broth

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Pumpkins are packed with nutrients that help boost your immune system. Paired with protein-rich chicken, this meal will give you a comforting, nourishing boost. Adding turmeric to this recipe gives it an extra kick of benefits as it's believed to fight infections and help with inflammation, which can be beneficial for healing, especially for C-section mamas.

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Ingredients

• 500g pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 1 chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1.5 litres chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• 4-5 wooden skewers

Instructions to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

1. Prepare the broth: In a pot, heat some olive oil. Add the diced onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant. Add in the pumpkin cubes and stir for about 5 minutes.
2. Cook the pumpkin: Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the pumpkin is soft and tender. You can blend it for a smoother texture or keep it chunky.
3. Make the shawarma chicken: In a bowl, mix the cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken cubes with the spice mix. Thread the chicken onto the skewers.
4. Grill the skewers: In a pan or grill, cook the chicken skewers for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are nicely charred and cooked through.
5. Serve: Ladle the pumpkin soup into bowls and top it with the shawarma chicken skewers. Enjoy this warm, hearty meal!

2. Beef Shakshuka

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Prefer beef over chicken? Try out this Halal confinement food recipe that is perfect for those looking for something hearty. The beef provides iron to help replenish your blood, while the rich tomato base is loaded with Vitamin C. Adding a bit of ginger into the mix can introduce heaty elements that are great for the body, helping to cleanse the blood and boost your appetite.

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Ingredients to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

• 200g ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 3-4 tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of diced tomatoes)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 4 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

1. Cook the beef: In a pan, heat some olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the veggies: In the same pan, add more olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
3. Simmer: Add the diced tomatoes and spices. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Add the beef back: Stir the cooked beef back into the pan.
5. Poach the eggs: Make small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the eggs are done to your liking.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with crusty bread or flatbread. Perfect for dipping and scooping!

3. Creamy Butter Chicken 

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Butter chicken is comfort food at its best! Adding Moringa leaves, which are rich in proteins, vitamins C and A, beta-carotene, iron, calcium, and other minerals, takes this dish up a notch, providing the necessary nutrients for recovery.

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Ingredients to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

• 500g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yoghurt
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup fresh cream
• 1/2 cup fresh or dried Moringa leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

1. Marinate the chicken: Mix yoghurt with garam masala, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Cook the chicken: Melt butter in a large pan. Add the marinated chicken and cook until slightly browned.
3. Make the sauce: Add garlic and cook for a minute. Pour in the tomato puree and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Then, stir in the fresh cream and Moringa leaves. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with warm naan or steamed rice. 

4. Beef Stew

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Beef stew is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients like iron, which is crucial to replenish the blood and energy lost during delivery. 

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Ingredients to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

• 500g beef chunks
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary for seasoning

Instructions to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

1. Prep the ingredients: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chunks and set aside. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add tomato paste and cook for another minute.
2. Mix the ingredients: Pour in the beef broth and add the browned beef, potatoes, carrots, and herbs.
3. Boil the dish: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender.
4. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with a side of bread or rice.

5. Confinement Beef Rendang

Confinement beef rendang is a dish that's perfect for postpartum nourishment. Its rich, creamy sauce and tender beef make it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

• 500g of beef chunks
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 stalk of lemongrass, finely chopped
• 2.5 cm Galangal
• 2-3 kaffir lime leaves
• 1-2 tsp chilli paste
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

1. Marinate the beef: In a large bowl, combine coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilli paste, turmeric, cumin, coriander powder, salt, and pepper. Add the beef chunks and toss to coat evenly. Marinate the beef in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavour.
2. Simmer the beef: Transfer the marinated beef and the marinade to a large pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the beef from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3. Serve: Serve the beef rendang hot with rice, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

6. Turkish Beef Pide with Ginger and Moringa

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This is like a comforting, protein-packed pizza. It’s light yet filling and perfect for a quick snack or light meal. Adding ginger and Moringa leaves makes it even more nutritious and suitable for your postpartum needs.

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Ingredients to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

• 500g ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup fresh or dried Moringa leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 packet pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

1. Prepare the filling: Sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and beef in olive oil until browned. Add bell pepper, spices, and Moringa leaves, cooking for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
2. Shape the dough: Roll out the pizza dough into an oval shape. Spoon the beef mixture onto the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
3. Bake: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and fold the edges of the dough over slightly. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 15-20 minutes, until the edges are golden and the cheese is melted.
4. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and cut into slices. Enjoy with a side of fresh salad or yoghurt dip!

7. Confinement Chicken Mandhi Rice

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This fragrant rice dish is a one-pot wonder, combining tender chicken with flavourful rice. Turmeric and ginger are added for their amazing health benefits, making this a perfect, easy-to-digest meal.

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Ingredients to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

• 500g chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions to prepare this Halal confinement food recipe

1. Prepare the chicken: In a large pot, heat some olive oil. Sear the chicken pieces until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the spices: Add more olive oil to the pot and sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaf) until fragrant.
3. Add the rice: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, stirring well to coat it with the spices.
4. Add the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Cook the chicken: Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice, cover, and let it cook for another 20 minutes until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve with a side of raita or a simple cucumber salad.

Enjoy Every Meal With These Halal Confinement Food Recipes

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The above Halal dishes are easy to whip up and pack a punch in flavour, making your healing journey just a tad bit tastier. Remember, eating well and taking time to rest are the best things you can do for yourself and your little one.

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Why not also hire a daytime confinement nanny from NewBubs Confinement to prepare these Halal food recipes so you can focus on bonding with your baby and recovering in comfort? Our nannies are expertly trained in newborn care, breastfeeding support, and preparing nutrient-rich confinement meals.