Author: Amy Listermann, MS, CCC-SLP
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Miso-Glazed Eggplant
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5) Soft foods that are finely chopped and held together with moisture so they don’t crumble or fall apart. Nasu Dengaku is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine that highlights the versatility of eggplant. The miso glaze, made with a combination of miso paste, mirin, and sugar, caramelizes beautifully under…
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Stuffed Pepper Skillet
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5) Soft foods that are finely chopped and held together with moisture so they don’t crumble or fall apart. Stuffed peppers have been a family favorite for generations, offering endless possibilities for fillings. This version uses protein-rich quinoa and beans, combining them with tomatoes, spices, and cheese for a hearty,…
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Butternut Sage Risotto
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. Risotto is a timeless Italian dish known for its luxurious, creamy texture. The addition of butternut squash and sage brings a seasonal twist, adding warmth and depth to each spoonful. Butternut squash’s…
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Jambalaya
Minced & Moist (IDDSI Level 5) Soft foods that are finely chopped and held together with moisture so they don’t crumble or fall apart. Jambalaya is a dish steeped in history, with its origins tracing back to the cultural melting pot of Louisiana. Combining influences from Spanish paella, French cuisine, and African and Native American…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…