When my mother was transitioning from thickened liquids to pureed foods, I struggled to find meals she actually looked forward to eating. Many pureed foods were unappealing, and I worried she wouldn’t get enough nutrients. Then, I thought about one of her favorite breakfasts—biscuits and gravy. Could I make it safe for her to eat without making extra work for myself?
The answer was yes, and it became a go-to comfort meal. The key was keeping the flavors rich while making the texture smooth enough for her to swallow easily. Instead of making gravy from scratch, I used premade gravy to save time and sanity (caregiving gives you enough to do already—no need to reinvent the wheel). It also helped me control the smoothness and thickness to make it just right for her.
How to Make It
Ingredients:
- 2 soft biscuits (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup breakfast sausage, cooked
- 1 cup premade sausage or country gravy
- ¼ cup milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sausage: Cook the sausage in a pan until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Break Down the Sausage: Depending on the desired texture, you can:
- Blend: Use a blender or food processor with ¼ cup of warm premade gravy until smooth.
- Mill: Use a food mill for a finer, more even consistency without over-processing.
- Rice: Press the sausage through a potato ricer for a softer, crumbly texture that blends easily into the gravy.
- Mash: If your loved one can handle some texture, finely mashing with a fork or potato masher can work.
- Warm the Gravy: Heat the remaining premade gravy in a saucepan. Stir in the processed sausage mixture.
- Dice the Biscuits: Cut the biscuits into the smallest pieces possible. This adds texture while still keeping the meal easy to eat.
- Combine & Serve: Mix the diced biscuits into the sausage gravy, making sure everything is well-coated. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften further before serving.
Tips for Dysphagia:
- If a fully smooth texture is needed, blend the biscuits into the gravy before serving.
- If your loved one can handle a little texture, dicing the biscuits and mixing them well can make the meal feel more satisfying.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or gravy as needed.
- Experiment with different methods for breaking down the sausage to find what works best for your loved one’s needs.
This dish was a turning point in my mother’s recovery—it showed me that food could still be enjoyable and full of nostalgia, even when modified. If you or your loved one is struggling to find pureed meals they actually enjoy, try adapting a favorite comfort food. The right approach can make all the difference.
Beyond Stroke Survival 
Leave a comment