IDDSI 6 · Soft
Silken Tofu & Sesame Bowl
Soft, bite-sized tofu in a nutty sesame sauce.
14.2g protein221 kcal
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Ricotta Polenta
Soft, forkable polenta folded with ricotta.
Ingredients
- 150g fine polenta
- 350 ml warm milk
- 350 ml warm broth
- 100g ricotta
- 30g grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt
Makes 3 servings · 25 min · Italian
Method
- Whisk the polenta into the warm liquid and stir constantly for about 15 minutes until soft.
- Beat in ricotta, parmesan and butter until creamy.
- Cook to a soft texture with no grainy bite.
- Serve warm — it should mash easily with a fork.
Soft & forkable is IDDSI Level 6. Loosen with extra milk for a Level 5 texture.
Why this works at IDDSI Level 6
Level 6 is soft and bite-sized: pieces no larger than about 15 mm that break apart with light pressure from the side of a fork. No hard, sticky, stringy or crunchy textures, and nothing that needs a bite force you have not been cleared for. This is the last stage before regular food.
At 3 servings this recipe delivers 13.2g of protein and 385 kcal per serving in about 25 min — worth knowing because protein intake, not calories alone, is what limits soft-tissue healing when chewing is restricted. Move up a stage on your surgeon's or speech-language pathologist's timeline rather than by how you feel on a given day: texture that is too advanced is the most common cause of pain, wound irritation and choking risk in the first weeks.
See it made, or buy it nearby
Texture is hard to judge from written steps alone. Watching someone make it is often the quickest way to see how smooth “smooth” actually needs to be — and on the days cooking is too much, finding somewhere nearby that already makes it is a reasonable substitute.
What makes this easier
High-power blender and soft-tip feeding spoons. The recovery kit explains why each one earns its place, and what to look for when buying.
More soft-stage recipes
IDDSI 6 · Soft
Silken Tofu & Sesame Bowl
Soft, bite-sized tofu in a nutty sesame sauce.
14.2g protein221 kcal
▶
📍
IDDSI 5 · Soft
Congee with Soft Egg
Minced & moist rice porridge, gently soothing.
14g protein320 kcal
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📍
IDDSI 5 · Soft
Chawanmushi Egg Custard
Delicate steamed savory custard that melts in the mouth.
10g protein117 kcal
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📍