Jaw Surgery Diet
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IDDSI Level 4 · Puréed

Hobakjuk (Pumpkin Porridge)

호박죽 — smooth, naturally sweet Korean pumpkin porridge.

Hobakjuk (Pumpkin Porridge) — 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
5g
Protein
250
kcal
50g
Carbs
2g
Fat
5g
Fibre
3
Servings

Ingredients

  • 600g kabocha or pumpkin, peeled & cubed
  • 700 ml water
  • 40g sweet rice flour (mixed with water)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Makes 3 servings · 40 min · Korean

Method

  1. Simmer the pumpkin in water until very soft, about 25 minutes.
  2. Blend completely smooth.
  3. Stir in the sweet rice flour slurry and cook, stirring, until glossy and thickened.
  4. Sweeten and salt; loosen with water to a smooth, spoonable porridge.
Texture note — IDDSI Level 4

Smooth Level 4. Add water for a thinner Level 3, and omit any chewy rice-ball garnish.

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 5g of protein and 250 kcal per serving in about 40 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.