Sesame Rice Water | IDDSI Level 2 Dairy-Free Thickened Drink Recipe

IDDSI Level 2 (Mildly Thick) | 20 minutes | Easy

Sesame rice water is a traditional Cantonese nourishing drink — black or white sesame seeds ground together with soaked white rice, producing a smooth, richly fragrant liquid with natural body from the sesame oils and rice starch. In traditional Chinese medicine, black sesame is valued for tonifying the kidneys, nourishing blood, and supporting hair health. With its naturally creamy consistency, it requires only a small amount of food thickener to reach IDDSI Level 2 (Mildly Thick) standards — making it suitable for people with dysphagia who require thickened fluids. This recipe is entirely dairy-free and gluten-free, one of the most culturally familiar allergy-friendly thickened drink options for Hong Kong elderly.

Ingredients (serves 3–4, approx. 200ml each)

• Black sesame seeds (or white sesame) 60g (toasted)
• White rice 30g (rinsed, soaked for 30 minutes)
• Water 700ml
• Rock sugar or caster sugar 35–50g (to taste)
• Food thickener (as needed — follow product instructions to reach IDDSI Level 2)

Method

1. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant (do not scorch). Spread on a plate to cool
2. Place the toasted sesame, drained soaked rice, and 700ml water in a blender. Blend on high speed for 1–2 minutes until completely smooth and no particles remain
3. Strain the blended sesame rice water through a fine-mesh sieve into a pot, removing any coarse sesame shell fragments or rice residue. The strained liquid should be uniformly smooth
4. Add sugar and heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently and constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the liquid is warm (approximately 60°C). Do not boil — boiling can cause the oils to separate
5. Allow to cool slightly to 40–50°C (comfortable drinking temperature)
6. Following the instructions for your specific food thickener brand, add the appropriate amount and stir thoroughly. Rest for 1–2 minutes to allow thickening to complete
7. Using a syringe test, confirm texture: 10ml should yield 1–4ml outflow in 10 seconds, confirming IDDSI Level 2 (Mildly Thick)

Texture Test

IDDSI Level 2 (Mildly Thick) confirmation: A syringe test should yield 1–4ml outflow in 10 seconds (IDDSI Level 2 range). The drink should be drinkable through a straw with slightly more effort than water, and pour from a cup slightly more slowly than plain water. There must be no visible sesame particles or solids in the finished drink.

Safety Notes

⚠️ Strain thoroughly — Sesame seed shells can leave fine particles even after thorough blending. Always strain through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. Any residual particles increase aspiration risk and fail IDDSI Level 2 standards.

⚠️ Thickener brand variation — Different thickener brands require different quantities to reach the same IDDSI level. Always follow your product’s specific instructions and confirm the final texture using a syringe test — do not rely on visual estimation alone.

⚠️ Sesame allergy — Sesame is a recognised common allergen. Confirm the individual has no sesame allergy before serving.

⚠️ Temperature control — Do not boil sesame rice water — boiling causes oil separation, affecting texture and appearance. Heat to 60°C maximum, then allow to cool to drinking temperature before adding thickener.

Sourcing in Hong Kong

• Black sesame seeds: Available at supermarkets, health food stores, and organic grain shops. Choose plump, fresh-smelling seeds — toasting intensifies the flavour significantly
• Food thickener: Available at Hong Kong pharmacies and online (Resource ThickenUp, Nutilis Powder, etc.). Choose a variety compatible with hot drinks

Nutrition Notes

Per serving (approx. 200ml): approximately 130 kcal, 9g fat (predominantly unsaturated fatty acids), 10g carbohydrate, 4g protein. Black sesame is rich in iron, calcium, vitamin E, and lignans — providing antioxidant and blood-nourishing properties suitable for elderly individuals at risk of anaemia or osteoporosis. Free from lactose and cow’s milk protein, and naturally gluten-free. The higher fat content contributes energy density — beneficial for elderly individuals with small appetites who need calorie supplementation through drinks.

Cultural Context

Sesame rice water belongs to the long tradition of Cantonese nourishing drinks, closely related to black sesame paste (芝麻糊) — the thicker, starchier version that is a staple of Hong Kong’s dessert shops and breakfast stalls. While sesame paste is thick enough to be IDDSI Level 3–4, sesame rice water is a lighter version with a naturally flowing consistency, traditionally served hot in ceramic bowls at morning tea stalls. Thickened to IDDSI Level 2 with a food thickener, it allows elderly people with dysphagia requiring thickened fluids to safely enjoy a deeply familiar, comforting Hong Kong drink — maintaining the dignity of cultural food identity alongside clinical safety.