Braised Trotter with Soya Bean-Can Foods Make Milk ?

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Like other breastfeed mother I will eat types of food that will help on lactation. Most people believe having papaya as part of the diet can help. Well I had try but it seems not working for me. It seems I’m lack of milk for my 3^rd child…well not because she not gain well, she seems not happy although after feeding time. She demands more! I guess she is big drinker compare with her two brothers. Ha..ha..

I owned series of books, What to Expect. It comes in the first year, when you’re expecting and the toddler years. I guess mothers are familiar with these books. It is a comprehensive guide packed with reassuring and practical advice. It contains dozens of Q&As, reader friendly and fun to read.

I came across this question in "the first year", CAN FOODS MAKE MILK ? I’m sure we all eager to know. Here is the explanation.

Every breastfeeding mother has heard about at least one: foods, drinks and herbal portions with the supposed power to increase milk production. They run the gamut-from milk and beer, to teas made from fennel, blessed thistle, anise, nettle, and alfalfa; from chickpeas and liquorice, to potatoes, olives and carrots. Though some mothers swear by these cultural traditions and old wives’ standards, some experts say that the effects of such ‘milk-making portions are largely psychological. If a mother believes that what she eats or drinks will make milk, she will be relaxed. If she’s relaxed, she will have a good let-down. If her let-down reflex is good, she will interpret it to mean she has more milk, and that the portion worked its magic after all. Remember : the best-and only proven-way to increase your milk supply is to have your baby nurse frequently.

I always believe nursing frequently can increase milk flow. However feel pity for my girl when seeing her frustrated sucking for more milk. If this happen I will try to distract her by taking a break. Swing to comfort her back to sleep. If this can’t help will get back to nurse. Sometimes this can long for several hours…and definitely very tiring. How I wish I have more milk.

I read about stew trotter with soybean soup in one of my cookbook collection, Medical Recipe & Thick Soup. It said will help on lactation. Without any hesitate I try out. I believe it helps as I can feel the increase of milk flow. The recipe is very simple. Just put trotter, soya bean and dried lily bud (I omit) inside a pot and stew till tender and soft. I used to cook this soup during my confinement. However the taste is very bland.


Not long ago a cooking show recipe using trotter and soya bean as well. It used braising method (红烧‏). I tried too and this is tasty than the soup. Is braising method with the same ingredients working? Well not so magical compare with the soup. Could it because the “book” said stew trotter with soya bean and not braised trotter with soya bean??? :D

Actually I’m not enjoying having trotter but soya bean yes. Having soya bean as part of daily diet is good as it is high in protein. Ever since I taste the soya bean in cooking (before this only used in making soya milk) I love it! If the beans are cooked well it is kind of melt in your mouth.

Using soya bean in daily cooking can be very versatile. You can even just add into your daily soup as part of the ingredients. Since the beans are hard, it needs to be soaked and cook in advance before adding into any dishes or soup. I used to cook more than one portion and pack into individual, store in deep freezer for later used.

Now I like to share on tasty way of having soya bean with trotter.

Recipe source: Vivian Pang Kitchen

Ingredients:
1kg trotter, cut into pieces (I used front part)
1-2 tablespoon oil
Few slices of ginger
2 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
200g cooked soya beans (refer below)
Water (enough to cover meat)

Seasoning :
3 tablespoon soya sauce
2 tablespoon white wine (Chinese cooking wine)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Method:
~ Soya beans
(I cook about 400g soya beans at one time. Use any amount you like.)
1. Wash by rinsing the beans. Put in a pot and cover with clean water. Soak several hours (mine overnight).

2. The next day, rinse to clear any impurity. Put inside the pressure cooker and top with clean water (enough water to cover the beans). Cook about 22 minutes or till soft (do adjust according to your cooker).

3. Drain and ready to be packed individually for storage. Keep in deep freezer if not using within 3 days. Just store in lower fridge a day before you use it.
 
~ Trotter with soya beans
1. Heat up the wok. Add in the oil and ginger. Place the pieces of meat inside and cook till lightly brown.

2. Pour in the soya sauce by the side of the wok. Follow by wine. Stir well. Add in water about to cover meat.

3. Add in star anise, cinnamon stick, cooked soya bean, brown sugar, salt and stir to mix. Cover and cook till meat tender (I cook about 25 minutes with pressure cooker). Serve.