Bariatric Soft Food Baked Ricotta Cheese Recipe

Baked Ricotta with Spinach and Herbs: Bariatric Soft Foods Recipe

Baked Ricotta with Spinach and Herbs

Bariatric Soft Food Recipe

Dietary Concerns: This recipe is suitable for bariatric patients in the soft food stage. It is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and gluten-free. It contains dairy and eggs. Always consult with your healthcare provider or dietitian to ensure this recipe fits your specific dietary needs and restrictions.

This Baked Ricotta with Spinach and Herbs is a perfect soft food option for bariatric patients. It's high in protein, which is crucial for post-surgery nutrition, and its soft, creamy texture makes it easy to eat and digest. The dish combines the richness of ricotta cheese with the nutrients of spinach and the aromatic flavors of fresh herbs, creating a satisfying and nourishing meal.

Friendly Advice: Remember to eat slowly and chew thoroughly. This dish can be easily portioned, allowing you to control your intake. If you find the texture too thick, you can add a tablespoon of low-fat milk to the mixture before baking to achieve a softer consistency.

Benefits for Bariatric Patients

High Protein Content: With 18g of protein per serving, this dish helps meet the increased protein needs of bariatric patients.
Soft Texture: The creamy consistency is ideal for the soft food stage, making it easy to consume and digest.
Nutrient-Dense: Ricotta provides calcium, while spinach adds vitamins and minerals without excess bulk.
Low Carbohydrate: Only 6g of carbs per serving, suitable for maintaining steady blood sugar levels and supporting continued weight loss.
Portion Control: Baking in individual ramekins naturally creates appropriate portion sizes.
Versatile: Can be eaten on its own or paired with other soft foods as tolerated.
Flavorful: Herbs add taste without relying on added sugars or excessive salt.

Baked Ricotta Bariatric Soft Food Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup ricotta cheese (part-skim)
1 large egg
1/2 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil (for greasing)

Instructions

Preheat: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease two small ramekins with olive oil.
Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, basil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Fill Ramekins: Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared ramekins.
Bake: Place the ramekins in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. The texture should be soft and creamy, perfect for the soft food stage of a bariatric diet.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories	220
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fat	14g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	2g

Tips and Additional Info

Texture Adjustment: If you need an even softer consistency, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of low-fat milk to the mixture before baking.
Portion Size: This recipe makes two servings. Depending on your specific dietary guidelines, you may need to consume only half a serving at a time.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different soft herbs like chives or parsley for variety.
Protein Boost: For extra protein, you can mix in 1-2 tablespoons of unflavored whey protein powder to the ricotta mixture.
Temperature: While this dish is delicious warm, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature if that's more comfortable for you to eat.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold.
Pairing Suggestion: If tolerated, serve with a small amount of pureed vegetable soup for a complete meal.