Cooking for Dysphagia: Vegan Chickpea and Vegetable Puree Bowl

Look no further if you are craving something nutritious, delicious, and dysphagia-friendly. As a person with dysphagia, getting all the nutrition you need can often feel challenging. This dish includes plenty of plant-based protein from the chickpeas. They provide essential amino acids that can help immune support and tissue repair. 

Ingredients:

1 cup of cooked chickpeas (canned or cooked from dried)

1 cup of cooked carrots (softened and chopped)

1 cup of cooked green beans (softened and chopped)

1/2 cup of mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes

1/4 cup of vegetable broth

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon of food thickener 

Prepare Chickpeas 

This dish includes plenty of plant-based protein from the chickpeas and all the nutrition that you need. They provide essential amino acids that can help immune support and tissue repair. Chickpeas, as well as vegetables, will provide plenty of fiber, ideal for digestive health. A dish like this that’s full of colorful vegetables contains plenty of antioxidants that help to protect your cells. To prepare them, simply follow the instructions on the packaging. Next, cook your veggies. Boil the carrots and green beans until they’re soft and easily mashable. Avoid over-cooking so you don’t lose too much of the nutritional value.

Prepare the Potatoes

Make smooth mashed potato that doesn’t have any lumps. The carbohydrates in this meal serve as a source of energy and will help those with dysphagia feel full for longer. 

Blend Together

Next, simply blend together the chickpeas and the vegetables. Adding a broth or water splash will help them become a nice smooth consistency.

Prepare the Sauce

In a small saucepan, whisk together the remaining vegetable broth as well as some thickener, such as SimplyThick. Heat the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens to your desired consistency. The thickener enhances the flavor and adds extra moisture to the dish, ensuring better hydration and ease of swallowing.

Assemble the Bowl 

In a bowl of your choice, create layers. Start with a base of the potatoes, then layer on the chickpea and vegetable mixture. Doing this in a clear bowl looks beautiful and lets you get creative! Once you’re happy with your creation, drizzle the thickened sauce over the bowl. This will add moisture and more flavor. 

Season and Serve 

Now, as everyone’s tastes vary, you may want to add more seasoning to your dish before eating. A little salt, pepper, and herbs or spices can be added to your taste. The bowl should be served warm.

If you have any leftovers, simply pop them in the fridge in a sealed container and reheat them within a few days. This dish is perfect for those with dysphagia, not only because it’s super healthy and full of protein, but because the texture can be changed to meet the individual needs. You can keep the ingredients slightly chunkier if you’d like, or blend it so it’s as smooth as possible.

Either way, it’s going to be delicious. This Vegan Chickpea and Vegetable Puree Bowl with Thickened Sauce offers a plant-based meal that’s rich in protein, nutrients, and fiber. It’s definitely one to add to your dinner-time roster!