Welcome to the next chapter in our alphabetical culinary escapade: O! In this edition, we’ve curated a delightful list of some of the most enticing foods that kick off with the letter o. From pantry staples you use in almost every recipe, like olive oil, oregano, and oyster sauce to culinary surprises you might have never heard of, like ogbono soup, Omurice, osmanthus cake, and opera cake – we’ve gathered them all here in the list of 25 Foods That Start with O. So, fasten your seatbelts and let the O-licious adventure begin!
1. Orange Cake
When life gives you oranges, make an orange cake. Made with freshly squeezed orange juice and zest, this buttery and moist orange cake is like sunshine on your plate. Topped with a luscious orange icing glaze, adding a glossy finish, this citrus-infused dessert is an ideal companion to afternoon tea. For a more indulgent experience, serve with vanilla ice cream.
2. Onion Fritters
These crispy onion fritters are a twist on the classic onion rings but with tons of added flavor. Made with diced onions, shredded carrots, and Parmesan cheese, these golden bites are seasoned with a hint of garlic, paprika, and chopped parsley. Fry them to crispy perfection or bake them for a healthier twist; either way, they will please your guests. Serve these finger snacks warm with yogurt or sour cream to make them super addictive.
3. Oatmeal Pancakes
Imagine a towering stack of golden pancakes smothered in salted butter and drizzled with maple syrup. Rich in whole grains, these oatmeal pancakes are soft and fluffy with a melt-in-mouth texture. These heavenly pancakes taste divine, and packs a nutritional punch to keep you energized and satiated until lunchtime. Breakfast could not be better than this one!
4. Olive, Bacon, and Cheese Bread
Picture this: a golden loaf adorned with the smoky allure of bacon, the salty charm of olives, and the velvety richness of cheese. This olive, bacon, ham, and cheese bread is a stand-out party appetizer when served with a crisp vegetable salad. It’s make-ahead friendly; prepare the batter the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it fresh in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
5. Overnight Oats
These overnight oats are a morning savior for anyone seeking a wholesome start to the day. With a hearty blend of rolled oats, skimmed milk, and fat-free yogurt, you can enhance your jar with extras like chia seeds, sweeteners, vanilla extract, and frozen berries. Combine, refrigerate overnight, and wake up to a satisfying bowl of creamy goodness. Top it with fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an unmatched breakfast experience.
6. Oyster Stew
This oyster stew is a heavenly winter warmer with tender oysters in a luscious cream broth with a hint of Old Bay seasoning and roasted garlic. Red onion and celery forms an aromatic base of this stew, but you can add other vegetables like carrots, corn, or potatoes to enhance its nutritional value. Prepare it in advance until adding the oysters and vegetables, which only take about a minute to cook.
7. Okra Curry
Discover the true potential of okra beyond tossing it in stews or gumbo with this flavorful and easy-to-prepare Okra Curry Recipe. You’ll be amazed at how coconut milk adds creamy richness and exotic spices create a flavor fusion with a hint of heat from Scotch Bonnet pepper. Made in only 20 minutes, it’s bursting with bold Jamaican flavors. Enjoy it over rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
8. Olive Oil Mayonnaise
Made with eggs, olive oil, lemons, and a pinch of salt, this gourmet condiment is a game-changer. Blend egg yolks using an immersion blender until smooth, and slowly incorporate olive oil for that luxurious texture. And don’t forget the finishing touch of lemon juice and salt for a delightful tang. Refrigerate for up to four days, and you have a gourmet condiment ready to elevate sandwiches, salads, and more.
9. Oregano Pesto
No better way to use up that fragrant mint family herb lying in your pantry. This oregano pesto is a vibrant fusion of earthy oregano, nutty pine nuts, and savory Parmesan. This lip-smacking recipe is incredibly easy to make and takes only a few minutes of your time. You can spread it on crispy toast, dip fresh vegetables in it, or toss it with your favorite pasta for a yummy and satisfying meal.
10. Oxtail Soup
Succulent oxtails, aromatic spices, and vibrant vegetables simmer together to make this soul-warming oxtail stew. Start by searing the oxtails, building a flavorful base with onions and garlic, and head towards a grand finale that involves adding carrots, spinach, and green onions alongside fresh herbs. The low-carb yet high-fat content of this meat from the tail of cattle makes this stew an ideal choice for those following a keto diet. Best of all, you can also enjoy it as a cold soup.
11. Opera Cake
If you love coffee and chocolate, this opera cake is for you. Originating from France, this classic pastry features three layers of moist and tender almond sponge cake. Each layer is laced with rich coffee syrup, espresso coffee buttercream, and decadent dark chocolate glaze. The traditional square cake is elegantly decorated with trimmed, unfrosted sides, and the name “Opera” is beautifully inscribed on top, accompanied by shimmering gold leaf to add a touch of luxury.
12. Octopus Salad
This refreshing octopus salad is the ideal starter to kick off your summer feast. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this salad is easy to make in 15 minutes. Packed with fresh cilantro, tangy Kalamata olives, rich olive oil, and zesty lemon juice, every bite is a delectable explosion of taste. And since it uses a fully cooked octopus, you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
13. Omelette
Do you love omelets to start your day? This cheesy omelet is fluffy and stuffed with buttery garlic mushrooms and cooked over medium heat. Add milk or cream to the egg mix for a velvety texture. This recipe is highly versatile, and you can add whatever you have on hand. Try bacon or any melted cheese or add veggies of your choice. This is one of the easiest recipes you should master.
14. Oat Milk Smoothie
Treat yourself to the rich and creamy texture of this oat milk smoothie made with fiber-packed oat milk, medjool dates, frozen banana, almond butter, and vanilla extract. This healthy smoothie is super simple to make yet packed with delicious flavors. Free from dairy and refined sugars, this smoothie can be enjoyed as a breakfast or a post-workout drink. Kid-friendly and gluten-free, this smoothie can be customized to your liking.
15. Oreo Cheesecake
Mmm… Oreos! The name is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. This Oreo Cheesecake is a divine fusion of velvety cream cheese, Oreo cookies, and rich chocolate ganache. The crust, made from finely ground Oreos, provides a nourishing base for the luscious filling, generously embellished with quartered Oreo cookies. Topped with luxurious chocolate ganache and optional whipped cream swirls, this dessert is a visual and flavorful masterpiece.
16. Oatcakes
You’ll never turn to store-bought oatcakes once you try this recipe. These Oatcakes are a type of flatbread made using oatmeal similar to a cracker. Not only are these oatcakes incredibly delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients that will give you the energy boost to power through your day. Oats are chock-full of fiber, minerals, and vitamins. And with the clever combination of plain flour, a pinch of salt, and some magical vegetable shortening, you’ll have a snack that is both satisfying and nutritious.
17. Ogbono Soup
Originating from Nigeria, ogbono soup is a hearty stew made with Ogbono seeds and meat and cooked in a light yet flavorful broth. This soup is easy to make and versatile; use fish or, instead of meat, substitute ugwu leaves with leafy greens like kale or collard greens, or you can even use seasonings of your choice.
18. Obleas
Oblea is a delightful treat consisting of two large round wafers sandwiching caramel sauce. Oblea dough can be made with wheat flour and water, but sometimes sugar, eggs, milk, and butter are added for texture and flavor. These wafer sandwiches are cooked in a special machine that looks like a waffle maker. You can customize this sandwich cookie by adding anything you like! Fruit jam, grated cheese, or chocolate sprinkles are just a few options to consider.
19. Oolong Milk Tea
Looking for a refreshing yet healthy drink to quench your thirst? This light and creamy oolong milk tea is made with a few simple ingredients and tastes divine. Caters to various dietary needs, you can make it dairy free by substituting regular milk with unsweetened plant-based milk of your choice. Rich in antioxidants, this oolong milk tea uses boba (tapioca pearls). However, you can totally skip them if you don’t like them. Serve hot or cold and you’ll never get back to green tea after trying this one.
20. Oregon Grape
Oregon grapes are not actually grapes but rather a type of berry found in the Pacific Northwest. They have a distinctively tart taste and are often used in jams and jellies, where other sweet fruits and flavors can balance out their tangy flavor. These berries are high in fiber and vitamin C and are primarily used for medicinal purposes rather than taste.
21. Ogi: Fermented Millet Porridge
Offering an unmatched duo of health and flavor, this fermented millet porridge is a gluten-free, wholegrain, vegan breakfast to kick-start your day. Soak the millet for 24 hours, then grind it into a smooth paste. You can add culture to initiate a 2–3-day fermentation process in a warm environment. This results in a bubbling mixture with a tantalizing sour aroma. By cooking the fermented millet paste with water, you can prepare a creamy and gel-like porridge in just 15-20 minutes.
22. Ossobuco alla Milanese
Ossobuco alla Milanese is an Italian culinary masterpiece that showcases cross-cut veal shanks seasoned and seared to perfection. Onions, celery, carrots, and garlic, while thyme, bay leaf, tomato purée, and a reduction of white wine add depth. The slow simmering process with hot chicken stock and dried porcini mushrooms transforms the veal into tender perfection over two hours. The final touch is a vibrant gremolata made with parsley, garlic, and lemon zest sprinkled over the ossobuco before serving. Traditionally enjoyed with saffron risotto, this dish opens the door to culinary creativity, pairing well with creamy polenta or crusty bread.
23. Orzo with Mushrooms
This Orzo with Mushrooms is packed with savory flavors with hints of tangy white wine for a perfect side meal. Made with orzo pasta, earthy mushrooms, and cream, this hearty dish stores well in the refrigerator, making it great for meal prep. Make it your own by adding more veggies or your preferred protein for a filling meal.
24. Onigiri
This easy and delicious onigiri is made by wrapping Japanese rice balls in seaweed. Perfect on the go snack, it packs 114 calories per serve and can be customized with fillings of your choice. Add grilled salmon, pickled plum, or tuna mayonnaise, or make it without filling. You can also add vinegar or furikake seasoning to the rice to add a flavorful twist. Topped with fish roes, this Japanese dish is easy to make and is restaurant-worthy. Serve cold or warm!
25. Onion Bhajis
These Onion Bhajis are a light yet crispy gluten-free, vegan snack made with thinly sliced onion and chickpea flour and seasoned with flavorful spices. Fried to golden perfection, this recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. You can even make them in an air fryer. Serve them with a dip of your choice!
