Pureed foods are often overlooked when it comes to nutritious, high-protein meals, but they can be both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing swallowing difficulties, or simply looking to incorporate more protein into your diet in an easy-to-eat form, high-protein pureed recipes offer a fantastic solution.
These recipes combine wholesome ingredients that are blended into smooth, creamy textures without sacrificing flavor or nutritional value. With the right balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbs, pureed meals can support muscle maintenance, energy levels, and overall wellness.
In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite high-protein pureed food recipes that are easy to prepare, versatile, and packed with nutrients. From savory lentil blends to creamy chicken purées, these dishes are perfect for anyone who needs gentle, nourishing meals without compromising on taste or protein content.
Let’s dive into these recipes that bring comfort and strength in every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These high-protein pureed recipes are designed to be simple, nutritious, and delicious. They use readily available ingredients and straightforward preparation methods that anyone can follow.
The smooth texture ensures easy swallowing and digestion, making them ideal for individuals with texture-modified diet needs.
Beyond the health benefits, these recipes are incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite herbs, spices, or protein sources, catering to dietary preferences or restrictions.
Plus, they’re perfect for meal prepping and freezing, saving you time during busy weeks. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or looking to boost your own nutrition, these pureed dishes will quickly become staples in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils (rinsed and drained)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 medium sweet potato (peeled and cooked)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
Equipment
- High-powered blender or food processor
- Medium saucepan for cooking sweet potatoes
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potato: Peel and chop the sweet potato into cubes. Place them into a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook quinoa and lentils: If not already cooked, prepare quinoa and lentils according to package instructions. Rinse lentils well after cooking to remove any excess starch.
- Combine ingredients: In your blender or food processor, add the cooked chicken breast, cooked lentils, sweet potato cubes, cooked quinoa, Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
- Blend until smooth: Pulse and blend the mixture until you achieve a creamy, smooth texture. If the puree is too thick, slowly add more chicken broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Blend briefly to mix.
- Adjust texture: Taste and adjust seasoning or thickness as needed. For a thinner puree, add a little more broth. For thicker, add more sweet potato or yogurt.
- Serve warm: Transfer the puree to a bowl and serve immediately, or store in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Tips & Variations
Tip: To increase protein even more, add a scoop of unflavored protein powder or swap chicken for turkey or tofu.
- Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with extra lentils or cooked white beans for a plant-based protein boost.
- Flavor variations: Add spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or curry powder to change the flavor profile.
- Texture adjustments: For baby-friendly purees, strain after blending to remove any fibrous bits.
- Make it creamy: Substitute Greek yogurt with cottage cheese or add avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 30 grams |
Fat | 8 grams |
Carbohydrates | 18 grams |
Fiber | 5 grams |
Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This high-protein puree works well as a standalone meal or as a hearty side dish. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.
It also pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or soft bread for a complete meal.
For those requiring texture-modified diets, this puree can be spoon-fed or served in a squeezable pouch for convenience. If preparing for children or elderly family members, garnish with a pinch of mild cheese or a dollop of plain yogurt to enhance taste and presentation.
Conclusion
High-protein pureed foods don’t have to be boring or bland. With the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can create nourishing, delicious meals that support muscle health and overall wellness.
These recipes offer a convenient way to enjoy balanced nutrition with minimal effort, especially for those with special dietary needs or recovering from illness.
Remember, pureed dishes can be infinitely customized, so feel free to experiment with different protein sources, vegetables, and seasoning blends. With practice, you’ll build a repertoire of tasty, satisfying pureed meals that everyone will appreciate.
Looking for more nutritious meals? Check out our other recipes like “Creamy Avocado Smoothie”, “Hearty Lentil Soup”, and “Protein-Packed Breakfast Muffins” for inspiration!
📖 Recipe Card: High Protein Pureed Chicken and Lentil Mash
Description: A nutritious and smooth pureed meal packed with protein from chicken and lentils. Perfect for those needing easy-to-swallow, high-protein foods.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 3 servings
Ingredients
- 200g boneless skinless chicken breast
- 100g red lentils
- 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 small potato, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Rinse lentils under cold water.
- In a pot, combine chicken, lentils, carrot, potato, water, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25 minutes until ingredients are tender.
- Remove chicken and shred finely.
- Add shredded chicken back to pot with olive oil, salt, pepper, turmeric, and garlic powder.
- Blend mixture until smooth.
- Stir in Greek yogurt and blend briefly to combine.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 38 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 25 g
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