So your wife’s come home after just giving birth and she’s HUNGRY. What are you going to cook her?
Okay, I agree, you both deserve a succulent Chinese meal on the first night, but you can’t keep ordering in after that – you’ve got a new baby to budget for!
You need to make the dinner and it needs to be good enough for the woman who just grew your child in her body. And while you might make a mean spag bol, feeding her that every night for a month just isn’t going to cut it.
Even if you’re not the best cook, there are plenty of simple recipes out there you can follow that’ll help you create a tasty evening meal.
Postpartum Recovery Meal Ideas to Cook for Your Wife
I’ve rounded up a bit of inspiration for what to feed your wife for postpartum recovery. She’s likely to be exhausted, sleep deprived and a little achy after giving birth so the cooking will have to be in your hands. It’s the only gentlemanly thing to do!
Hearty Chicken Soup with Vegetables and Bone Broth
A nourishing chicken soup is perfect for postpartum recovery. Bone broth, rich in collagen and minerals, helps with tissue repair and strengthens the immune system. Slow-cooked chicken provides lean protein, while vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach add essential vitamins.
The warmth of the soup is soothing, especially if she is feeling fatigued. It’s worth noting that ingredients like garlic and ginger are immune boosting, which is almost certainly needed immediately after childbirth.
One-Pot Chicken And Chorizo Orzo
You can’t beat a one-pot meal when you want something nourishing but trying to save on the washing up. You’ve got a newborn baby, you don’t need any more help making a mess! This one-pot chicken and chorizo orzo recipe is a favourite in our house, even when no one has given birth lately! It’s easy, nourishing and delicious.
Add some extra greens on the side for a bit of extra sustenance.
Salmon with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Steamed Greens
Salmon is great choice for new mothers due to its high omega-3 content, which apparently aids in brain function, which I think is probably a good idea when no one is getting any sleep. Cooking it simply by baking or pan-searing with a touch of olive oil and lemon keeps it light yet flavorful. Roasted sweet potatoes provide slow-releasing carbohydrates for sustained energy, while steamed greens such as kale or spinach offer much-needed iron to replenish blood levels after childbirth. This meal is both nourishing and satisfying without being overly heavy.
Of course if you don’t want to be a slave to the stove, you could just bake the lot and it’d still be just as good.
Lentil and Vegetable Curry & Rice
Lentils are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and iron so it’s a good meal if your partner is a vegetarian, or just likes a break from meat. It’s also a bit cheaper than buying meat for every meal.
A mild vegetable curry made with coconut milk, turmeric, and warming spices can be both comforting and healing. Turmeric supposedly has anti-inflammatory properties so that might be useful for your postpartum wife.
Serve it warm, and consider adding a dollop of yogurt on the side to calm the spice if you need it.
Baked Chicken with Quinoa and Roasted Root Vegetables
A simple baked chicken dish, seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme, is easy to prepare and packed with protein. Quinoa, is a nutrient-dense grain, is rich in protein and fibre so it’s a healthy side if you’re sick of the usuals like pasta and rice.
Roasted root vegetables add a bit of fibre and helps turn it into a well-balanced meal.
Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping
A homemade shepherd’s pie with a sweet potato topping is the ultimate comfort food. Ground turkey or beef provides protein and iron, while the addition of peas, carrots, and onions means you’ll have a variety of vitamins.
Sweet potatoes are a tasty, lower-carb alternative to regular potatoes, offering a slightly sweet topping that is rich in vitamin A.
This dish is warm, filling, and easy to reheat and freeze – nice and convenient with a new baby.
Miso Soup with Tofu and Brown Rice
If she prefers something light but still packed with nutrients, miso soup is an excellent option. Miso is fermented, which means it supports gut health, an essential factor in postpartum recovery.
Adding tofu provides a gentle source of protein, while seaweed offers essential minerals like iodine, which supports thyroid function. Serve this alongside a bowl of brown rice for a well-rounded meal that is light yet nourishing.
Homemade Pasta with Spinach and Ricotta
A simple homemade pasta dish can be comforting and easy to digest. Using whole-grain or gluten-free pasta, mix in fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, and a touch of olive oil. The ricotta provides calcium, essential for bone health, while the spinach is packed with iron and other nutrients. You can add garlic for its immune-boosting properties and a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. This meal is satisfying but not overly rich, making it a great option for an evening dish.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Rice
Stuffed bell peppers are a visually appealing and nutrient-dense meal. Using ground turkey ensures a lean protein source, while brown rice or quinoa makes the filling fiber-rich. You can season the mix with herbs and a touch of tomato sauce to add flavor and moisture. Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron from other foods, making this a great postpartum meal.
Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic, Served with Mashed Cauliflower
For a light, nourishing meal, baked cod with lemon and garlic is a pleasant option. Cod is rich in lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while lemon and garlic enhance digestion and provide immune-boosting properties. Mashed cauliflower is a great alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, offering a lighter texture while still being rich in fiber and vitamins. This is the sort of light meal you can have on an evening and go to bed shortly after without worrying about its sitting heavy.
These were my best ideas but if you have any to add, please let me know!