Sesame Sweet Potato Mash | IDDSI Level 4 Care Food Recipe

IDDSI Level 4 | 20 minutes | Easy

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 300g orange-flesh sweet potato (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 1 tbsp sesame paste (tahini or Chinese-style sesame paste)
• 3–4 tbsp full-fat milk or soy milk (to adjust consistency)
• 1 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of salt (to enhance flavour)

Method

1. Peel and cut sweet potato into chunks; steam for 18–20 minutes until completely soft — a chopstick or skewer should pass through with no resistance at all
2. While still hot, transfer to a bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until completely lump-free
3. Add sesame paste, sugar and a pinch of salt; mix well to combine
4. Add milk gradually, one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until the mash reaches a Level 4 consistency — it should flatten completely under a fork and not spring back when the fork is removed
5. If any lumps remain, press through a fine-mesh sieve
6. Return to the pan and warm gently over low heat to a suitable serving temperature (not exceeding 65°C)

Texture Test

Fork pressure test: Passes Level 4 — the mash is uniformly smooth; it flattens completely under the back of a fork and does not spring back or recover its shape when the fork is removed. If the mash cracks or feels grainy, add a little more milk and mix again.

Notes

Sweet potato must be completely cooked through before mashing — undercooked pieces will create hard lumps that fail the Level 4 standard. Orange-flesh Japanese sweet potato (honey sweet potato) has a naturally smoother texture and is preferable to white-flesh varieties. Add milk in small increments to avoid making the mash too loose.

Storage

Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, add 1–2 teaspoons of milk and warm over low heat, stirring until smooth. Freezing is not recommended as the texture may deteriorate on thawing.

Nutrition

Approximately 200 kcal per serving, with 3g dietary fibre, vitamin A and potassium. Sweet potato is naturally sweet, so minimal added sugar is needed. Sesame paste contributes calcium and healthy fats — an excellent nutrient-dense snack or dessert for elderly people who need extra calories.