As new mothers, we’re constantly seeking ways to nourish our bodies after giving birth. One often-overlooked ingredient that’s gaining popularity in the world of postpartum recovery is the placenta – yes, you read that right! This fascinating organ, once discarded after childbirth, has been shown to provide a wealth of essential nutrients and vitamins for mothers looking to ease their recovery. From boosting energy levels to supporting lactation and hormone regulation, incorporating placenta into your diet can be a game-changer for new moms.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious and nutritious placenta recipes that will have you feeling like a brand new person in no time. Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a hearty meal to satisfy your cravings, our recipe lineup has got you covered. From smoothies and capsules to stir-fries and curries, there’s something for every taste bud and dietary preference.
So, let’s dive into the world of placenta cooking and get ready to supercharge your postpartum recovery!
Placenta Smoothie with Berries and Banana
A delicious and nutritious blend of frozen berries, banana, and protein-rich placenta powder, perfect for a post-workout snack or morning pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 scoop placenta powder
– 1 ripe banana
– 1 cup mixed frozen berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
– 1 tablespoon almond butter
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
Instructions:
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness or consistency as needed.
3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (blending only)
Placenta Capsules for Easy Consumption
Healthy Granola Bars Recipe
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make delicious and healthy granola bars at home using simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, or cherries)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, and dried fruits.
3. In a separate bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well mixed.
5. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Placenta Stir-Fry with Vegetables
This unique stir-fry combines the earthy flavor of sesame seeds with sautéed vegetables, creating a savory and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup broccoli florets
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sesame seeds and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
3. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and broccoli. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
4. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Placenta Lasagna with Ricotta and Spinach
This vegetarian lasagna recipe is a creative way to use placenta, also known as the umbilical cord, in a dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. This unique ingredient adds essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and zinc to this comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked placenta (cooked according to manufacturer’s instructions)
– 12 lasagna noodles
– 2 cups ricotta cheese
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked placenta, ricotta cheese, spinach, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Mix well.
4. Spread a layer of the mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles on top.
5. Repeat step 4 two more times, finishing with a layer of the mixture on top.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Placenta Tacos with Fresh Salsa
Introduction: This recipe offers a unique and flavorful twist on traditional tacos by incorporating placenta (afterbirth membrane) into the filling. The fresh salsa adds a burst of citrusy flavor, making for a memorable dining experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 placenta membrane, cleaned and chopped
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Fresh salsa (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped placenta and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as needed.
3. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
Fresh Salsa Recipe:
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Stir well to combine.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Placenta Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Rich and savory placenta meatballs are a unique twist on traditional Italian meatballs, served in a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something new.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup placenta (from your butcher or local market), finely chopped
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cups homemade tomato sauce (or store-bought)
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine placenta, breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until just combined.
3. Using your hands, shape mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch/2.5 cm in diameter). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs and gently roll them to coat evenly.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Remove from oven and carefully add to tomato sauce. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Placenta Chili with Beans and Spices
A hearty and flavorful chili recipe that’s perfect for a cold winter night, featuring placenta (pork organ meat), kidney beans, and a blend of spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound placenta, diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the placenta, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and enough water to cover the ingredients.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Placenta Pâté on Toast Points
Experience the rich flavor of human placenta in this unique appetizer, perfect for adventurous foodies.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup placenta (fresh or frozen)
– 1/4 cup butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Toast points (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a blender or food processor, combine placenta, butter, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spread the pâté onto toast points.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Placenta Pizza with Mozzarella and Basil
A unique twist on traditional pizza, this placenta pizza combines the savory flavors of placenta with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Ingredients:
– 1 placenta (available at local butcher or online)
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the placenta into thin strips.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the sliced placenta to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Roll out pizza dough (or use store-bought) and top with cooked placenta, mozzarella cheese, and chopped basil.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Placenta Shepherd’s Pie with Mashed Potatoes
A twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, this recipe combines the savory flavors of placenta (a.k.a. afterbirth) with mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup placenta, finely chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the chopped placenta over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in beef broth, tomato paste, and flour; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate pot, boil 2-3 large potatoes until tender; drain and mash with butter and salt.
6. Transfer the placenta mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish; top with mashed potatoes.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Placenta Curry with Coconut Milk
This aromatic curry is a flavorful and nutritious meal option that combines the richness of placenta with the creaminess of coconut milk, all wrapped up in a delicious blend of spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked placenta (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
5. Add cooked placenta and stir to combine with spice mixture.
6. Pour in coconut milk and season with salt and black pepper.
7. Simmer the curry for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until heated through.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Placenta Stir-Fried Noodles with Soy Sauce
This dish is a twist on the traditional Chinese stir-fry, incorporating the umami flavor of placenta into a savory and aromatic noodle dish. The placenta adds a rich and complex flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the soy sauce and noodles.
Ingredients:
– 200g noodles (preferably thin rice noodles)
– 1/4 cup placenta paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry until they are translucent.
4. Add the placenta paste and stir-fry for 30 seconds, ensuring it is fully incorporated into the mixture.
5. Add the cooked noodles and soy sauce to the wok. Stir-fry everything together for about 2 minutes, until the noodles are well coated with the soy sauce and placenta flavors.
6. Season with salt to taste.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Placenta Stuffed Bell Peppers
Add some exotic flair to your meal with placenta stuffed bell peppers! This unusual ingredient adds a rich, savory flavor to this classic dish.
Ingredients:
• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked placenta (available at some specialty butcher shops or online)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix placenta, onion, garlic, rice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the mixture.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Placenta Bolognese Pasta
A twist on the classic pasta dish, this recipe incorporates placenta (an Italian delicacy made from animal organs) to add depth and complexity to the sauce. This hearty dish is perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup placenta, finely chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup red wine
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 oz pasta of your choice (e.g. spaghetti or pappardelle)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add ground beef and placenta; cook until browned, breaking up with spoon as needed.
4. Add red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Simmer sauce for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.
6. Serve sauce over cooked pasta. Top with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Placenta Dumplings in Broth
A soothing and filling meal perfect for a chilly day. These dumplings are packed with protein-rich chicken and spinach, wrapped in a delicate broth made from rich beef stock.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 cup cooked, shredded chicken
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups beef broth
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, spinach, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a flat surface. Place a small spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center.
3. Fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point. Press edges together to seal.
4. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. In a large pot, bring beef broth to a simmer. Add dumplings, being careful not to overcrowd.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until dumplings float to the surface.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Placenta Quesadillas with Cheese and Avocado
A twist on traditional quesadillas, these Placenta-inspired treats combine the savory flavors of placenta (beef uterus) with melted cheese and creamy avocado. Perfect for adventurous foodies!
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked placenta, finely chopped
– 2 large tortillas
– 2 tablespoons butter, divided
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together chopped placenta and 1 tablespoon of butter until well combined.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with half of the placenta mixture, followed by half of the cheese.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
8. Serve warm, sliced into wedges, and top with avocado slices.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Placenta Sausages with Herbs
Discover the flavors of the Mediterranean in these aromatic sausages, infused with fresh herbs and spices.
Ingredients:
• 500g pork sausage
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together sausage, parsley, rosemary, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff mixture into casings or use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or cook on medium heat in a skillet for 5-7 minutes per side.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Placenta Hash with Potatoes and Onions
This recipe is an experimental take on using placenta as an ingredient. The rich flavor of the placenta pairs well with the natural sweetness of potatoes and onions, making for a satisfying and filling meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked placenta, finely chopped
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced potatoes and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until they’re tender.
4. Stir in the cooked placenta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover the power of placenta cooking! In this article, we share 18 nutritious recipes to support postpartum recovery. From smoothies and capsules to stir-fries and casseroles, there’s something for every new mom. Try our Placenta Smoothie with Berries and Banana, or get creative with Placenta Tacos with Fresh Salsa. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a hearty meal, these recipes harness the nutritional benefits of placenta to support your body during this special time. Get cooking and nourish yourself with these delicious and healthy ideas!