After undergoing oral surgery, it’s essential to focus on nourishing your body with gentle and easy-to-digest foods. A smooth transition into a soft food diet can help alleviate discomfort, reduce swelling, and promote optimal healing. In this article, we’ll explore 20 soothing recipes that cater to your specific needs during the post-operative period. From creamy mashed potatoes to silky butternut squash soup, these comforting dishes will ease your way back to a normal diet while promoting gentle recovery.
Whether you’re looking for protein-packed options like soft scrambled eggs or tender poached salmon, or sweet treats like blended peanut butter banana shakes, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 20 soothing soft food recipes. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect meals to support your oral surgery recovery journey!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Butter
Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Butter Recipe
Summary:
Get ready to indulge in a rich and creamy mashed potato dish, elevated by the addition of butter. This recipe yields a comforting side that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the potato cubes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
4. Add the butter, salt, and pepper, and mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they’re smooth and creamy.
5. Gradually add the milk or heavy cream, mashing until the desired consistency is reached.
Cooking Time:
Approximately 20-25 minutes
Silky Butternut Squash Soup
A warm and comforting soup perfect for a chilly fall evening. This recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs, such as parsley or sage, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Place the squash on a baking sheet, cut side up, and drizzle with butter.
4. Roast the squash for 45-50 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
5. Scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor with the chopped onion, garlic, broth, and heavy cream or half-and-half.
6. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Soft Scrambled Eggs with Cheese
Start your day off right with these creamy, cheesy soft scrambled eggs that are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (or your preferred type)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
2. Heat the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until melted and foamy.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and let it cook for about 30 seconds, until the edges start to set.
4. Use a spatula to gently scramble the eggs, breaking them up into small curds.
5. Continue cooking and scrambling the eggs for another 2-3 minutes, until they’re just set and still moist.
6. Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the eggs and use the spatula to fold it in.
7. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to melt the cheese and combine with the eggs.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Velvety Avocado Banana Smoothie
A creamy and refreshing blend of avocado, banana, and honey, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 ripe banana
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. Peel the banana and avocado, then cut them into chunks.
2. In a blender, combine the banana, avocado, honey, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract.
3. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency or want to chill the smoothie further.
5. Blend again until the ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired thickness.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Yield: 1 large serving or 2 small servings
Enjoy your velvety avocado banana smoothie!
Gentle Oatmeal with Honey and Cinnamon
Gentle Oatmeal with Honey and Cinnamon Recipe
Warm up with a comforting bowl of oatmeal infused with the sweetness of honey and the warmth of cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water or milk to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add the oats and reduce heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and have a creamy consistency.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the honey, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with additional honey and cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Pureed Carrot Ginger Soup
Start the day with a warm and comforting bowl of pureed carrot ginger soup, packed with sweet and spicy flavors.
Ingredients:
– 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chopped carrots and ginger. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
4. If desired, stir in the heavy cream to add richness and creamy texture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Tender Poached Salmon in Broth
This classic recipe yields a moist and flavorful salmon dish that’s perfect for any occasion. By poaching the fish in a savory broth, you’ll create a tender and juicy piece of seafood that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 cups chicken or fish broth
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 2 tbsp butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the broth, onion, carrots, and celery.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
3. Place the salmon fillets in the poaching liquid, making sure they’re covered by at least an inch of liquid.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the salmon reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. Remove the fish from the broth with a slotted spoon and serve immediately.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Blended Peanut Butter Banana Shake
Beat the heat with this refreshing treat that combines the richness of peanut butter and banana. This indulgent shake is a perfect way to cool off on a warm day.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
– 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
– Ice cubes (optional)
– Whipped cream and chopped peanuts for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the bananas, peanut butter, and vanilla ice cream.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add milk and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness as desired.
5. Pour into a glass filled with ice cubes (if desired) and top with whipped cream and chopped peanuts (if desired).
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Soft Polenta with Parmesan
This recipe yields a comforting, creamy polenta dish infused with the savory flavor of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup polenta cornmeal
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Gradually whisk in the polenta cornmeal and reduce heat to medium.
3. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and comes away from the sides of the pan.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and salt until melted.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional grated Parmesan if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lukewarm Applesauce with Cinnamon
This classic recipe yields a deliciously comforting applesauce infused with the warmth of cinnamon, perfect for snacking or using as a topping.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized apples (any variety), peeled and chopped
– 1/2 cup water
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine the chopped apples, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the applesauce cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pureed Cauliflower with Garlic
This recipe brings out the best of cauliflower by combining it with pungent garlic and a touch of creaminess, making it a perfect side dish or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of butter
– 1/4 cup of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the cauliflower mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast the cauliflower in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
6. Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a blender with the heavy cream, and blend until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Silken Tofu Pudding with Maple Syrup
A creamy and sweet dessert perfect for a cozy evening, this Silken Tofu Pudding with Maple Syrup is a game-changer. With the smoothness of silken tofu and the richness of maple syrup, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 block silken tofu (14 oz)
– 2 tablespoons maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 cup plant-based milk (almond or soy work well)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Drain and press the tofu to remove excess liquid.
2. In a blender, combine the pressed tofu, maple syrup, cornstarch, plant-based milk, salt, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or ramekins.
4. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to set.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This dessert requires no cooking, just blending and chilling.
Soft Cottage Cheese with Pineapple
A sweet and tangy treat that combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the juiciness of pineapple.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup soft cottage cheese
– 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cottage cheese and honey. Mix until smooth.
2. Add the pineapple chunks to the bowl and gently fold them into the cottage cheese mixture.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Blended Mango Yogurt Smoothie
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy blended smoothie that combines the flavors of juicy mango, creamy yogurt, and a hint of tropical spices. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a post-workout snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe mango, diced
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine mango, yogurt, and honey.
2. Add cardamom powder and blend until smooth.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level as desired.
4. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
5. Blend again until ice is crushed and the smoothie is the desired texture.
6. Pour into a glass and garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Warm Rice Pudding with Vanilla
Warm Rice Pudding with Vanilla: A comforting treat that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice (cooled)
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cooled rice, milk, sugar, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the pudding has thickened and the rice is creamy.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Pour into individual serving cups or a large baking dish.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pureed Pumpkin Soup with Nutmeg
Warm Up with Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Experience the flavors of fall with this comforting pureed pumpkin soup infused with warm nutmeg.
Ingredients:
– 1 small sugar pumpkin (about 2 lbs), cooked and mashed
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in mashed pumpkin, heavy cream or half-and-half, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
5. Use an immersion blender (or transfer soup to a blender) to puree the soup until smooth.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Soft Baked Custard with Nutmeg
Savor the warm, comforting aroma of homemade custard infused with the sweet, spicy flavor of nutmeg.
Ingredients:
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup (30g) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until pale yellow.
3. Add cream, salt, and nutmeg; whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in melted butter.
5. Pour mixture into 6 (1/2 cup) ramekins or small baking dishes.
6. Place ramekins in a large baking dish; add hot water to come halfway up the sides.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from oven; let cool to room temperature.
9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chilled Banana Coconut Pudding
A creamy and refreshing dessert that combines the sweetness of bananas with the richness of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the sliced bananas, heavy cream, unsweetened shredded coconut, honey, and salt.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour the mixture into individual serving cups or a large serving dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to chill and set.
Cooking Time: None
Serves: 4-6
Blended Lentil Soup with Turmeric
This vibrant orange soup is a comforting and nutritious treat that combines the creamy texture of cooked lentils with the warm, earthy flavor of turmeric. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little water until softened.
2. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, and turmeric. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Blend the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender until smooth.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Soft Pasta in Light Tomato Sauce
Quickly cook up a delicious and comforting pasta dish with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
– 2 cups (475ml) light tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking liquid before draining the spaghetti.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the light tomato sauce and stir to combine with any remaining oil residue.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the tomato sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta cooking liquid to achieve your desired level of sauciness.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
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