Black Sesame Sweet Soup (IDDSI Level 3-4) | IDDSI Level 3-4 Care Food Recipe

IDDSI Level 3–4 Adjustable | 20 minutes | Easy

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 50g black sesame powder (commercial instant blend or freshly ground)
• 10–25g glutinous rice flour (quantity determines final consistency — see guide below)
• 30g brown sugar
• 250ml full-fat milk
• 250ml water

Where to Buy in Hong Kong

Black sesame powder is available at PARKnSHOP, Wellcome, and city’super — look for products with a single ingredient (black sesame only, no additives). Glutinous rice flour is stocked in the flour/baking aisle of most supermarkets. To grind your own: dry-toast whole black sesame seeds in a pan over low heat, then blend at high speed until a fine powder forms.

Method

1. Mix glutinous rice flour with cold water (approximately 50ml) until no lumps remain; set aside
2. Pour milk and water into a pot; heat over medium until warm (approximately 60°C — do not boil)
3. Add black sesame powder and stir until fully incorporated
4. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved
5. Slowly pour in the glutinous rice flour mixture while whisking continuously
6. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the desired consistency is reached (approximately 8–10 minutes — see guide below)
7. Remove from heat; allow to cool to 55–60°C before serving

Consistency Guide

Level 3 (Liquidised) — the consistency of a thick soup

• Glutinous rice flour quantity: 10g
• Test: pours in a continuous thin stream from a spoon; does not hold shape
• Suitable for: patients requiring liquidised diet (moderate to severe dysphagia)

Level 4 (Pureed) — the consistency of a thick pudding

• Glutinous rice flour quantity: 20–25g
• Test: a spoonful holds its shape briefly; slides off slowly when the spoon is tilted
• Suitable for: patients able to manage pureed foods (mild to moderate dysphagia)

Texture Test

Syringe flow test (Level 3): More than 8ml flows from 10ml in 10 seconds (flows freely but noticeably thicker than water)

Syringe flow test (Level 4): No more than 8ml flows from 10ml in 10 seconds (slow flow rate)

Spoon test (Level 4): Holds its shape briefly on a spoon; slides off slowly when tilted without immediately running away

Consistency adjustment: Too thin → add 5g more glutinous rice flour slurry and return to the heat; too thick → stir in a small amount of hot water

Cultural Note

Black sesame sweet soup (zhima wu / gee mah wu) is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic street desserts, found in every tong sui (sweet soup) shop. For many elderly patients, this flavour carries deep personal and cultural associations. Serving it in a safe IDDSI-adapted form reconnects patients with cherished taste memories, which can meaningfully improve appetite and emotional wellbeing.

Temperature Management

Serve at 55–60°C: above 65°C risks scalding the mouth; below 50°C the consistency may thicken beyond the target level. Use a food thermometer for precision when serving vulnerable patients.

Nutrition

Approximately 280 kcal per serving (Level 4 version), rich in calcium (approximately 250mg per serving from sesame and milk). Black sesame is high in iron, Vitamin E, and healthy unsaturated fats, supporting cardiovascular health and bone density in older adults.

For lactose intolerance: substitute unsweetened soy milk for cow’s milk — protein and calcium remain adequate.