Author: Amy Listermann, MS, CCC-SLP

  • Coconut Curry Lentils

    Coconut Curry Lentils

    Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5) Soft foods that are finely chopped and held together with moisture so they don’t crumble or fall apart. Lentils have been a staple in many cuisines worldwide, cherished for their versatility and nutritional benefits. This minced and moist coconut curry version takes inspiration from South Asian flavors, blending spices…

  • Beef Stroganoff

    Beef Stroganoff

    Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6) Tender foods cut into small, bite-sized pieces that are easy to chew and break apart with minimal effort. Beef Stroganoff originated in Russia but has since become beloved worldwide for its creamy, savory flavors. This dish combines the richness of beef, the earthiness of mushrooms, and the tangy notes…

  • Goat Cheese and Fig Flatbread

    Goat Cheese and Fig Flatbread

    Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level EC7) Regular foods that are naturally soft and easy to chew, without tough, dry, or hard components. This Goat Cheese and Fig Flatbread is a deliciously elegant appetizer or light meal that combines the tangy flavor of goat cheese with the natural sweetness of figs. Finished with a drizzle of…

  • Safe Texture Finder

    Safe Texture Finder

    There is no such thing as too much urgency when it comes to seeking assistance with difficulty with chewing and swallowing. However, some don’t see a speech-language pathologist (SLP) until weeks after symptoms begin. These weeks, no doubt, feel magnitudes longer, as the concern rarely stops when standing up from the table. I want to…

  • What are IDDSI levels and how can they help with managing dysphagia?

    What are IDDSI levels and how can they help with managing dysphagia?

    Most people don’t think twice about swallowing until something goes wrong. Maybe you had food “go down the wrong way,” or suddenly felt like a bite of food was stuck. That moment can be scary and it can leave you wondering what’s happening and what you should do next. For some, it’s a one-off event.…

  • Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

    Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

    Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6) Tender foods cut into small, bite-sized pieces that are easy to chew and break apart with minimal effort. Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect bite-sized appetizers, combining the rich flavors of creamy spinach and artichoke dip with the earthiness of mushrooms. They’re elegant enough for a party…

  • Lemon Shrimp and Grits

    Lemon Shrimp and Grits

    Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5) Soft foods that are finely chopped and held together with moisture so they don’t crumble or fall apart. Lemon shrimp and grits is a Southern classic with a citrusy twist. This dish features tender, lemony shrimp served over creamy, buttery grits, combining bright, fresh flavors with the comforting, rich…

  • Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pot Pie

    Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pot Pie

    Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5) Soft foods that are finely chopped and held together with moisture so they don’t crumble or fall apart. This Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Pot Pie is a comforting combination of tender chicken, soft broccoli, and a creamy cheddar sauce baked inside a flaky, golden crust. While this recipe is written…

  • Chicken Mole

    Chicken Mole

    Pureed (IDDSI Level 4) Completely smooth foods/extremely thick liquids with no lumps that hold their shape on a spoon and don’t require chewing. Chicken Mole is a traditional Mexican dish known for its rich, complex sauce made with chiles, chocolate, and a blend of aromatic spices. This version simplifies the process while keeping the deep,…

  • Moroccan Chicken Tagine

    Moroccan Chicken Tagine

    Soft & Bite-Sized (IDDSI Level 6) Tender foods cut into small, bite-sized pieces that are easy to chew and break apart with minimal effort. A good tagine isn’t complicated, it’s patient. Moroccan cooking has a long history of using slow, moist heat to coax flavor out of everyday ingredients, and chicken tagine is one of…