“Luscious, lip-smacking, and loaded with flavor, the world of cuisine is a treasure trove of delectable delights that begin with the letter L. From the savory allure of delicious lasagna to the zesty lemon and the buttery decadence of lobster, we’re about to unveil a mouthwatering lineup of 25 Food That Starts with L. Whether you’re a foodie seeking new culinary experiences or simply curious about the diverse tastes our planet has to offer, prepare to be enticed and inspired by this mouthwatering journey through the alphabet of flavors.
1. Lamb Chops
These flavorful lamb chops are seasoned and seared to perfection with butter, garlic, and fresh thyme. The combination of olive oil, fragrant aromatics, searing technique, and tender sheep meat results in fall-off-the-bone lamb chops that’ll make you lick your fingers. Thanks to its easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet results in a restaurant-worthy entrée.
2. Lentil Soup
Feeling under the weather? Seek refuge in the soulful embrace of lentil soup. Packed with a plenty of veggies, aromatic spices, and protein-rich lentils, this soup is a wholesome and budget-friendly meal option, especially on chilly evenings. It’s ideal for meal prep and just a reheat away to enjoy throughout the week. Pair it with freshly grated Parmesan and crusty bread to elevate the indulgence to the next level.
3. Lasagna
This homemade lasagna is comfort food at its finest. With layers of flat pasta noodles complemented by a creamy ricotta cheese filling and topped with a meaty tomato sauce, this classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser. When baked to perfection, it results in a golden-brown crust and a mouthwatering, bubbly texture that tempts your taste buds. You can assemble the layers 2 days before baking and freeze them, making it an ideal meal prep dish.
4. Lettuce Soup
Imagine a warm and comforting soup that’s quick and easy to make yet packs a substantial dose of nutrients! With sweet peas, zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory onions, this lettuce soup is anything but boring. In just 10 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for health-conscious individuals, thanks to plant-based ingredients. Finish with a garnish of fresh mint and lemon zest for an extra layer of flavor.
5. LEEKS VINAIGRETTE
In this French-inspired dish, Leeks are blanched to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful base, and then adorned with a zesty vinaigrette. You can serve it as a light lunch or a super fresh summery appetizer. You’ll love everything about it: the salty capers, the fragrant dill, and the delicate sweetness of the poached leeks. So easy to make and delicious with crusty bread.
6. LIVER CURRY
Savor the mouthwatering taste of chicken liver, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and flavorful curry base of finely chopped onions, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic Indian spices. This liver masala curry is a culinary masterpiece you shouldn’t miss! Apart from offering an explosion of irresistible flavors, chicken livers are also an excellent source of essential nutrients, making them a healthy and wholesome meal for health-conscious foodies.
7. LEMONADE
There’s no better way to beat the scorching summer heat than with a glass of ice-cold, homemade lemonade. This two-ingredient recipe proves that even life’s simple pleasures can be the most enjoyable. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is perfectly balanced, making it the ultimate thirst quencher for hot days. Or serve this lemonade on barbecues, picnics, or any occasion that calls for a cool and refreshing drink.
8. LIMA BEANS
When it comes to comfort food, nothing warms your soul like a sizzling pot of tender lime beans. Each spoonful is infused with the earthy richness of lima beans and the smoky, savory goodness of bacon. The beans are simmered in a flavorful broth with bacon alongside some basic seasonings until buttery and tender. If you enjoy a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spice kick.
9. LYCHEE CEVICHE
From the first bite, Lychee Ceviche takes your taste buds on a tropical journey. It’s a delightful mix of flavors, where the delicate tang of lychee meets with the vibrant zing of citrus and mild sweetness of red snapper. Although the mix of fish and fruit may seem surprising, it’s a culinary masterpiece on your plate that’s worth a try. The taste lingers on your tongue long after the plate has been cleared, leaving you wanting more.
10. LOVAGE POTATOES
These Lovage Potatoes embody spring like no other. Despite its similar appearance and taste to celery, lovage is less bitter and has a parsley aftertaste, which is a star ingredient in this recipe. This dish brings together freshly harvested potatoes, frozen peas, lemon, and lovage leaves, all harmonized with olive oil and butter. The result? A refreshing and vibrant dish that celebrates fresh seasonal produce, bringing color to your table.
11. LATKES
Latkes, or potato pancakes, are beloved fried snacks popular in many cultures, especially Jewish cuisine. These crispy, golden delights are often associated with holidays, especially Hanukkah. However, you don’t need a special occasion to enjoy them. With a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy center, these potato pancakes are crowd-pleasers. Grated potatoes and onions are mixed with eggs, flour, salt, and pepper and fried to crispy perfection to make a winning side dish.
12. LIME JUICE (LIMEADE RECIPE)
When the scorching summer heat hits, there’s nothing quite like a tall glass of homemade limeade to cool you down and quench your thirst. This zesty, citrusy, and slightly sweet beverage is the perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness, making it a delightful treat for all ages. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging by the pool, or simply looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy, our lime juice (limeade) recipe has got you covered.
13. LATTE
Satisfy your morning espresso addiction with this Salted Caramel Latte. The velvety smooth coffee is perfectly balanced with caramel’s luscious sweetness, while a subtle hint of sea salt adds a delightful twist. Not only is it simple to make, but it also has significantly fewer calories than those overly sugary coffee shop beverages.
14. LARD BREAD
Unlike any bread you’ve ever tasted, this Italian delicacy is both a bread and a savory dish rolled into one. With a seductive combination of bacon, salami, provolone cheese, and the subtle essence of beer, this lard bread is a masterpiece that will elevate your home-baking game to new heights. Bake it for your next gathering and pair it with a side salad, charcuterie, or your favorite beverages for a complete dining experience.
15. LOX SPREAD
This 5-ingredient lox spread is a true testament to the harmony of flavors, blending the creamy richness of cream cheese with the smoky allure of finely chopped smoked salmon, the zing of fresh red onions, the fragrant touch of dill, and a dash of refreshing lemon juice. You can use it as a spread on bagels, a dip for crackers, or as a sandwich filling. Its versatility knows no bounds.
16. LINGUINE CARBONARA
Linguine Carbonara, a classic Italian pasta dish, is the epitome of comfort food. Its rich, creamy sauce, made from eggs, cheese, and crispy guanciale, perfectly coats the al dente pasta. The creamy, cheese-infused sauce complements the savory and slightly spicy guanciale, while the al dente pasta provides the perfect backdrop for this culinary masterpiece. A finishing touch of chili flakes, parsley, and black pepper infuses it with complex flavors, elevating it from ordinary to extraordinary.
17. LOLLIPOPS
Lollipops, those whimsical candies on a stick, are not only a favorite among children but also a charming addition to dessert tables and party spreads. This lollipop recipe is a fantastic way to engage children in the kitchen, teaching them basic cooking skills and igniting their culinary creativity. One of the most exciting aspects of making lollipops at home is the creative freedom it offers, allowing you to choose your favorite flavors and food colorings.
18. LIQUEUR
Adding liqueurs to cocktails is a delightful way to impart fruity flavors, particularly when dealing with fruits that are difficult to extract juice from, like bananas. This banana liqueur is a delectable alcoholic beverage created by infusing a spirit, such as brandy, rum, or neutral alcohol, with bananas to extract their essence. Afterward, the mixture is sweetened and diluted to reduce its alcohol content to around 20-25%.
19. LIMPA (SWEDISH RYE BREAD)
Limpa is a traditional Swedish rye bread infused with sweet, subtly spiced flavors that transport you to Scandinavia. The combination of dark beer, molasses, orange zest, and aromatic spices gives Limpa bread a unique flavor profile, while a rustic, round shape with a deep cross on top makes it visually appealing. You can enjoy it with a variety of toppings like butter, cheese, and jam or use it to make hearty sandwiches.
20. LINGUICA WITH PEPPERS AND ONIONS
If you’re a fan of Portuguese cuisine, this Cape Verdean Style Linguiça with Peppers and Onions is a must-try dish. It features smoky linguiça sausage, sweet bell peppers, and onions, all cooked to perfection in a rich, tomato-based sauce bursting with flavor. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice with a side of fried eggs for a filling meal, or enjoy it tucked inside a warm and crusty Portuguese roll for a delicious sandwich.
21. LIEDERKRANZ CHEESE
Liederkranz is an American version of Limburger cheese with an edible pale yellow-orange tan crust. Produced using cow’s milk and a unique bacteria strain for ripening, it has a mildly pungent flavor and distinct aroma similar to Limburger. The cheese’s pungent smell can turn unpleasant if not aged properly, making it a challenge for cheese makers to attain the perfect balance of flavor and aroma.
22. LEGUMES
Legumes are a diverse family of plants that encompass beans, peas, lentils, soybeans, peanuts, and more. They are a valuable source of protein, making them an excellent substitute for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets. In addition, legumes are rich in essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
23. LYNCHBURG LEMONADE
Impress your guests at the next BBQ by serving up a refreshing and boozy Lynchburg Lemonade instead of the usual boring lemonade. This unique drink combines fresh lemonade flavors with a smooth, subtle hint of Jack Daniels whiskey. This adds just the right amount of kick to the mix. Sip away and savor the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a touch of Tennessee charm.
24. LO MEIN NOODLES
These Lo Mein Noodles combine tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful sauce with egg noodles to create a mouthwatering Asian-inspired meal in under 30 minutes. The combination of dark and light soy sauces, Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin), and aromatic sesame oil ensures that every bite bursts with flavor, while white pepper adds a subtle kick. You can easily swap chicken for your preferred protein source, including beef, tofu, or even shrimp.
25. LEMONGRASS
Cymbopogon, commonly known as lemongrass, is a tropical island plant that boasts a refreshing citrusy scent reminiscent of lemons, which explains its name. Its versatility is evident in its use as both a culinary and medicinal herb. Lemongrass is an essential component of Southeast Asian cuisines and is used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, marinades, curries, and beverages, adding a unique flavor and aroma to each dish.
