Pumpkin Soup | IDDSI Level 3 Care Food Recipe

IDDSI Level 3 | 25 minutes | Easy

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 250g pumpkin or kabocha squash (peeled, deseeded, cut into chunks)
• 500ml low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
• 100ml full-fat milk
• 1/4 onion (finely diced)
• 1 tsp unsalted butter
• A pinch of white pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp cold water (to adjust consistency if needed)

Method

1. Steam pumpkin chunks for 15 minutes until completely soft (a chopstick or skewer passes through with no resistance)
2. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat and gently sweat the onion for about 5 minutes until translucent — do not brown
3. Transfer steamed pumpkin, sweated onion and stock to a blender; blend for 2–3 minutes until completely smooth
4. Pass through a fine-mesh sieve twice to remove all fibre and ensure a perfectly uniform liquid
5. Return the strained soup to the saucepan, add milk, and heat gently over low heat, stirring to combine
6. Flow rate test: the soup should flow steadily and continuously from a spoon — thicker than water but not dripping in separate drops (IDDSI Level 3 standard)
7. If too thick, thin with a little warm stock; if too thin, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 minute
8. Season with white pepper and serve

Texture Test

Fork test: IDDSI Level 3 is a liquidised consistency — cannot be held on a fork. The soup should flow in a continuous stream from the edge of a spoon. Syringe test: at least 1ml should flow from a 10ml syringe in 10 seconds. No particles or fibre should remain after sieving.

Notes

Pumpkin skin and fibre are hazardous for people with dysphagia and must be completely removed. The double-sieving step is non-negotiable. Level 3 liquidised foods are suitable for people who can no longer manage solid food but retain some swallowing function. Always serve with the person sitting fully upright and under caregiver supervision.

Storage

Cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.

Nutrition

Approximately 160 kcal per serving. Pumpkin is naturally sweet with no added sugar needed, and is rich in beta-carotene (a vitamin A precursor) and vitamin C. Milk adds additional protein and calcium — ideal for elderly people with small appetites who need nutrient-dense foods.