Honey Oatmeal Porridge | IDDSI Level 4 Care Food Recipe

IDDSI Level 4 | 15 minutes | Easy

Ingredients (1 serving)

• 50g instant rolled oats (fine cut, not jumbo)
• 220ml whole milk (or equal amount of unsweetened soy milk)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/4 very ripe banana (for flavour and extra smoothness)
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Method

1. Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until nearly boiling (do not let it boil vigorously)
2. Add oats, reduce to low heat, stir continuously for 5 minutes until oats are completely softened and have absorbed the milk
3. Remove from heat, add banana and mash thoroughly with a fork or immersion blender into very fine pulp, stir into porridge
4. Blend the porridge with an immersion blender until completely smooth (approximately 30 seconds) — no whole oat flakes should remain
5. Adjust consistency: if too thick, add a splash of warm milk; if too thin, return to heat and cook for 2 more minutes
6. Transfer to a bowl, stir in honey, sprinkle with cinnamon if using

Texture Test

Fork pressure test: Passes Level 4 — porridge can be completely flattened with the back of a fork with no spring-back and no visible oat pieces.

Scoop with a spoon — porridge should drip slowly rather than flow freely (distinguishing it from Level 3).

Notes

Use fine-cut instant oats only — jumbo oats cannot reach Level 4 texture even when fully cooked. Honey is safe for older adults but should not be given to children under 12 months. Older adults with diabetes may substitute a small amount of agave syrup to reduce glycaemic impact.

Nutrition

Approximately 280 kcal per serving, 9g protein, 4g dietary fibre (including beta-glucan). Oat beta-glucan helps lower cholesterol; honey provides natural antioxidants. Suitable as a high-energy breakfast to meet older adults’ daily caloric needs.