Jaw Surgery Diet
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IDDSI Level 4 · Puréed

Cháo (Rice Congee)

Cháo — Vietnam’s classic soothing rice porridge, blended smooth.

Cháo (Rice Congee) — puréed texture, IDDSI Level 4
J
Jaw Surgery Diet
Texture graded against the IDDSI framework. Not individually reviewed by a clinician — how this site works
13g
Protein
209
kcal
33.6g
Carbs
1.9g
Fat
1.1g
Fibre
3
Servings

Ingredients

  • 120g short-grain rice
  • 1.2 L chicken or pork broth
  • 80g soft-cooked minced chicken or pork
  • 1 tsp fish sauce
  • 1 slice ginger
  • Squeeze of lime

Makes 3 servings · 45 min · Vietnamese

Method

  1. Simmer the rice in broth with ginger, stirring often, until fully broken down, about 40 minutes.
  2. Mince the meat very finely and stir through.
  3. Blend until completely smooth for a purée.
  4. Season with fish sauce and lime; loosen with broth to a spoonable consistency.
Texture note — IDDSI Level 4

Smooth Level 4. Leave it un-blended and moist for Level 5, or thin with broth for Level 3.

Why this works at IDDSI Level 4

Level 4 is puréed: smooth, cohesive, and it holds its shape on a spoon without separating into liquid. It does not require any chewing, which makes it the workhorse level after most jaw surgery — it carries far more calories and protein per spoonful than anything thinner. Sieving matters here; skins, fibres and seeds are what break the texture grade.

At 3 servings this recipe delivers 13g of protein and 209 kcal per serving in about 45 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 all puréed-stage recipes →

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.

Watch this recipe Find this dish near me

What makes this easier

High-power blender and fine-mesh sieve. The recovery kit explains why each one earns its place, and what to look for when buying.

More puréed-stage recipes

Miso Salmon Purée IDDSI 4 · Puréed Miso Salmon Purée Japanese · 25 min Blendable salmon, silken tofu & dashi — top-tier protein. 26.9g protein286 kcal ▶ 📍
Medical disclaimer. Jaw Surgery Diet is patient education, not medical advice, and it does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Texture stages here follow the IDDSI framework, but the right stage for you is the one your own surgeon, speech-language pathologist or dietitian has set. If you are unsure whether a texture is safe for you — or if you cough, choke or feel food catching when you swallow — stop and contact your care team.