STEWED SEAWEED

By EMMA PLATTEAU

Seaweed is a traditional ingredient used throughout time honoured postpartum traditions around the world as it helps with the healing process. Known to stimulate the release of stem cells in the body which promotes cell repair, seaweed supports gut health, is rich in antioxidants and packed with all the essential vitamins & minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Calcium, Iron and Magnesium. Naturally rich in Iodine and Tyrosine, seaweed also supports healthy thyroid function.

Emma shares her favourite way to prepare seaweed and some notes on how to make this an easy, every day essential, postpartum or not.

INGREDIENTS

(makes 1 small jar)

25g of your favourite seaweed (I like dulse, wakeme or nori)

1/4 cup of the best quality soy sauce, preferably tamari

1/4 cup of the best quality mirin vinegar

a drizzle of toasted sesame oil

a handful opf freshly toasted sesame seeds, ground loosely after toasting.

METHOD

First, prepare the seaweed. If you are using fresh, make sure to rinse first so that it no longer tastes salty. If you are using dry seaweed, soak in a little water for at least 20 minutes to soften them.

After having soaked or cleaned your seaweed, place it in a small saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk the soy sauce and mirin vinegar together and pour it over the seaweed. Bring this to a simmer and let it softly bubble for 15 minutes if using dried and at least 40 minutes if using fresh. You can check the process by simply tasting a few pieces, if it is still chewy, keep cooking. You want the seaweed to be soft, not mushy. Once it is ready and tender, take it out of the liquid and season it gently with a bit of toasted sesame oil. It is nice to do this while the seaweed is still warm because it soaks up more flavour. In the meantime, you can reduce the liquid in the pan a little bit more by letting it simmer for another 10 minutes on low heat. Once syrup like, pour over the seaweed. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Store in a jar for up to 5 days in your fridge.

WAYS TO CONSUME SEAWEED?

Use as a topping for congee; stir through cooked rice or quinoa; blend or whisk into ghee or butter and use as a spread on toast; use as a dip for potatoes; use as an extra nourishing addition to broths by adding once soup or broth is ready!

A FEW NOTES ON SOY SAUCE AND TOASTED SESAME OIL...

Clearspring brand is a brand we really love, especially when it comes to Tamari and Toasted Sesame Oil. Clearspring´s Tamari has no added wheat, while most large soy sauce brands do so check the label beforehand. As with toasted sesame oil, you want a refined tasting one as cheaper ones are often too overpowering and not clean.