Sole fish with baby spinach soup

This soup is especially good for those who are anaemic or have lost blood following surgery because the iron levels are increased due to the combination of sole fish and spinach. It is also good for breast feeding mothers as the iron will be transferred to the baby via the breast milk. However, it is advisable to only have this soup after the first 10 days of confinement when the risk of jaundice in the baby is less. 

 Sole (左口鱼) is considered as the finest of all flat fish as it is a lean fish, easy to digest and always sweet and delicious. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein, rich in vitamin B, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, selenium, iodine and iron. There are more than a dozen different flatfish species, some are called flounder, some are called sole and some are called both. According to TCM its property is warming therefore it strengthens the spleen, tonifies chi, removes dampness and regulates blood. It is good for conditions such as low energy, haemorrhoids, excessive postpartum bleeding, itching or damp type of skin lesions. The Malay name is ikan tunggal but it is more commonly known as ikan sebelah. 

Fillets from the top (dark) side are thicker and darker in colour while fillets from the bottom (white) side of the fish are thinner and lighter in colour.

Ingredients 

1 piece sole fillet

1 packet baby spinach

1 fish or chicken stock cube

Cut the fish into bite size pieces

Marinate the fish with light soya sauce, sesame oil and a dash of pepper.

Leave aside for about an hour.

Prepare the stock

Put the fish into the prepared stock

The fish will rise to the top when it is cooked.

Add the spinach

Season with salt and pepper

Simmer for 5 minutes and it is ready