The next stop on our culinary voyage through the alphabet is the letter J, and it stretches beyond jams and jellies. From the juicy sweetness of Jalebi to the bold spiciness of jalapeño peppers, these 25 Foods That Start with J promise not to disappoint when it comes to jaw-dropping flavors. Think beyond the usual suspects – it’s time to jazz up your meals with some unexpected J delights.
1. Jelly Rolls
Indulging in delightful treats doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure, especially when you have a recipe that combines the heavenly duo of cinnamon and sugar with a touch of health-conscious choices. These delicious cinnamon sugar jelly rolls satisfy your sweet cravings and support your wellness goals. Instead of a sponge cake, using low-point bread, reduced sugar jam, and clever use of unsweetened applesauce ensure that indulgent desserts are not a forbidden kingdom, even for Weight Watchers.
2. Jackfruit Carnitas
Craving plant-based tacos? These jackfruit carnitas are packed with robust flavors with a perfect meaty texture of jackfruit. They are so simple to make, are great for meal prep, and make for a quick and filling on-the-go lunch when adorned with salsa, avocado, and veggies. They are perfect for vegans and non-vegetarians, and you can use corn or flour tortillas according to your preference.
3. Jambalaya
Loaded with chicken, sausage, shrimp, spices, and rice, this one-pot rice dish is comfort food at its finest. Perfect for any day of the week, this tomato-based Creole jambalaya version adds a pop of color to your dinner table and is ready in one hour. Serve with a side of cornbread and a side of coleslaw for a complete meal. Enjoy with family and savor every bite.
4. Jordan Almond
Jordan Almonds are exquisite confections from the Middle East, consisting of whole-blanched almonds enveloped in a sweet, crunchy coating. The coating is crafted from a mixture of whipped egg whites and powdered sugar, often enhanced with a pastel food color coating for visual appeal. The crunchy exterior contrasts beautifully with the tender almond inside, making it a delicious movie-time or on-the-go snack.
5. Jollof Rice
This one-pot wonder is a popular dish in West Africa and is gluten-free. Flavorful rice cooked in aromatic and spicy homemade tomato sauce seasoned with thyme, ginger, and chili pepper for a hearty and filling meal. It is quick to make and can be paired with the protein of your choice for added nutrition. You can store it in refrigerator for up to 4 days making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
6. Jicama Chips
These crunchy jicama chips are a fun way to eat jicama. They are super addictive, vegan, and gluten-free. Baking them in the oven makes them a guilt-free snack for those looking for low-calorie snacks. Seasoned with lime, cayenne pepper, and salt, they are perfect for movie night or an easy on-the-go snack. Experiment with different spices and seasonings for a flavorful twist.
7. Jerusalem Artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, are a type of sunflower native to North America. Its tubers are used as root vegetables and have a nutty, sweet taste. It’s like potatoes in appearance and tastes delicious when roasted. Despite the name, it’s not an artichoke, nor is it from Jerusalem. The spicy green sauce, featuring jalapeño, garlic, green onions, lime, and fresh mint, elevates the dish with a kick of heat and a refreshing finish.
8. Japanese Plum Wine (Umeshu)
Crafting your own plum wine is an art that requires patience and anticipation, but the rewards are truly remarkable. Imagine combining fresh green ume plums, white rock sugar, and shochu to create a traditional Japanese-inspired concoction that leaves your taste buds yearning for more. The depth of flavors that develop over a year is unparalleled and offers a rich and nuanced profile that store-bought options cannot match.
9. Jerk Chicken
This Jerk Chicken recipe is a showstopper at festive gatherings with its bold and spicy Caribbean flavors. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and takes less than an hour from start to finish. Made by marinating chicken thigh in a spice blend that includes thyme, allspice berries, and other spices. Grill on a preheated grill for a juicy and incredibly tender chicken that levels up your BBQ game. Perfect for spicy food lovers!
10. Jerk Turkey Jerky {Paleo, Keto, Whole30}
This Jamaican-inspired Keto Turkey Jerky is bursting with savory and spicy flavors. Marinated with scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, allspice, and nutmeg, turkey slices are first dehydrated at 155°F for 4-6 hours, then baked at 275°F for 10 minutes. Finally, transfer them to a clean surface to cool before storing them. Store in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed jerky for long-term storage in a fridge or freezer.
11. Jambon Beurre Sandwich (Ham, Butter and Brie Sandwich)
This delicious take on a classic deli sandwich features a super crispy baguette sandwich layered with herbed butter, salty prosciutto, brie cheese, and lemon juice dressed arugula. The arugula adds a peppery flavor, while the brie adds a creamy twist. Make herbed butter with whatever herbs you have on hand, or swap arugula with mixed greens to add a flavorful twist to this recipe.
12. Jelly Bean Ice Cream
Jelly Bean Ice Cream is a frozen treat that combines the classic charm of ice cream with the playful burst of jelly beans. Choose from a variety of flavors of candy shells to make this dessert a visual feast and revisit the childhood nostalgia of candy cravings. Consider a drizzle of chocolate syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for an extra layer of indulgence.
13. Jello Cookies
These vibrant Jello Cookies are made with store-bought cookie mix, butter, and cream cheese and are bursting with fruity flavors. Different flavors of jello powder transform these cookies into fun snacks that are super convenient to make at home. Engage your kids in the preparation process to develop baking skills. Perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion.
14. Juniper Berries Salmon
This easy recipe is made by seasoning salmon in a flavorful sauce made with butter, juniper berries, and lime zest to add flavor to the meat. Salmon is cooked over sliced limes for an added citrusy flavor. Ready in less than 25 minutes, this dish doesn’t require any fancy ingredients or equipment. Pair with a side of veggies, a refreshing salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a healthy and delicious meal.
15. Jiaozi Pork Dumplings
Imagine an ideal balance of savory pork, the crunch of water chestnuts, and the kick of ginger and soy sauce, all wrapped up in delicate wonton wrappers. These dumplings are sure to please any crowd with their mouthwatering flavors. Despite their gourmet appeal, crafting these Chinese dumplings is a hassle-free process, thanks to wonton wrappers, without fussing over dough from scratch.
16. Johnnycakes
Johnny cakes are cornmeal pancakes, but this recipe takes it up a notch by adding flour, baking powder, milk, butter, sugar, and spices to create a more sophisticated version. Roll the dough into balls and fry them until they become golden-brown, puffed delights with savory and sweet corn-like flavor and crispy edges.
17. Jaffa Cake – Chocolate and Orange Layer Cake
The divine fusion of chocolate and orange may seem a bit strange, but not after having a slice of this Jaffa Cake. This exquisite dessert features moist layers infused with orange zest, generously sandwiched with orange marmalade and crowned with a glossy chocolate glaze. Baked to perfection, this cake is a visual and culinary masterpiece, with the perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy zing that promises to entice your taste buds.
18. Jalapeño Poppers
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delicious appetizer that tastes like something you would order from a Tex-Mex restaurant but won’t break the bank. This recipe includes jalapenos filled with melted cheese and smoked bacon. The jalapenos are then breaded with flour and breadcrumbs, resulting in a mouthwatering appetizer that will surely impress your guests.
19. Jalebi
Often referred to as funnel cake, Jalebi is an immensely popular snack in Asia and Africa. Imagine a pretzel-shaped batter fried to perfection and soaked in delicious sugar syrup. The result is a crispy, juicy, and incredibly sweet delicacy that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can enjoy it hot or cold with your favorite beverage, making it the perfect snack for any weather.
20. Java Plum or Jamun Cake
Summer is known for many things, but one of the most delightful is the sight of pretty purple Java Plums. And if you’re a fan of this seasonal fruit, you’re in for a treat with this Java Plum cake. A dreamy cake base is made with almond meal, olive oil, and cream cheese frosting. But what really sets it apart is the Jamun compote on top, which adds a burst of fruity flavor that will transport you straight to summer heaven.
21. Jota – Sauerkraut and Bean Stew
Get cozy this winter season with this hearty and flavorful stew that combines the goodness of beans and sauerkraut with the earthy aroma of cumin and bay leaves. Add some diced potatoes for a thick consistency. This comforting bean and potato stew is a potent source of carbohydrates and will leave you feeling satisfied. It’s typically paired with thick pancetta or Austrian-style sausages.
22. Jewish Rye Bread
This Jewish rye bread is prepared using rye sour and old bread soaker. Known for its tangy rye flavor and moist, dense crumb, it works as an ideal base for creating a thick and juicy deli sandwich to serve as lunch. The flavor is so rich that you can have it as a snack.
23. Jawbreaker
Are you a fan of hard candies? If so, try jawbreakers! Made with layers of Assorted Skittles, these bad boys are designed to test your candy-crunching skills while providing hours of sweet satisfaction. They’re tough to bite into, but once you do, you’ll be rewarded with a long-lasting treat that slowly dissolves in your mouth, releasing wave after wave of delicious sweetness. Try jawbreakers and see if you’re up to the challenge.
24. Jook
Also known as congee, this Chinese rice porridge is made using rice and whole chicken and infused with spicy notes of ginger. Seasoned with white pepper and salt, this comforting soup is easy to digest and requires a few pantry staples. Perfect for rainy days or any time of the year when you are craving that comforting bowl of soup that is also easy to prepare.
25. Jojo Potatoes
Crispy on the outside with creamy insides, these homemade JoJo potatoes are baked in the oven instead of deep frying, making them guilt-free. These thickly sliced potatoes seasoned in a flavorful seasoning blend are simply delicious and are perfect for your game-day snack. They are perfect to serve as a side alongside your dinner or enjoy with your favorite dip for a healthy snack.
