Mashed Avocado & Ricotta

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 2 servings this recipe delivers 10g of protein and 240 kcal per serving in about 8 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.

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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 Korean · 15 min Soft, bite-sized tofu in a nutty sesame sauce. 14.2g protein221 kcal ▶ 📍

IDDSI 5 · Soft Congee with Soft Egg Chinese · 40 min Minced & moist rice porridge, gently soothing. 14g protein320 kcal ▶ 📍

IDDSI 6 · Soft Ricotta Polenta Italian · 25 min Soft, forkable polenta folded with ricotta. 13.2g protein385 kcal ▶ 📍