Have you ever wondered how many delicious foods kick off with the letter “I”? Sure, you’ve got the classics like ice cream, idli, and Irish coffee. But the culinary adventure of I goes far and beyond these basics! Let’s broaden your foodie vocabulary as we unveil a diverse array of 25 foods that start with i. Let’s dive into the delectable lineup of hidden gems the letter “I” has to offer.
1. Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Chicken is a Weight Watcher’s favorite protein, and this easy whole chicken recipe is the perfect base for a variety of other dishes. Adorned with a signature seasoning blend and cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, it fits the bill of a simple weeknight dinner yet is worthy to stand out at a festive gathering.
2. Iceberg Lettuce Salad
If you are looking for refreshing summer salads for your next backyard BBQ, this Iceberg Lettuce Salad is the answer. Loaded with juicy tomatoes for a perfect tang and crisp veggies and topped with a homemade dressing, this nutrient-rich salad is easy to make and versatile. Add hemp seeds or fresh herbs for a nutritional boost. Or toss in cubed bacon or grilled chicken for a protein punch.
3. Idli
If there’s one dish that has stood the test of time in Indian households, it’s the beloved idli. Made from fermented black lentils and rice, these rice cakes are popular breakfast items in South India and Sri Lanka and a favorite among all age groups. Serve this soft, spongy, and savory rice cake hot with your favorite chutney and sambar for a wholesome South Indian experience.
4. Inca Berry Granola
Start your day off right with this Inca Berry Granola – a nourishing blend of rolled oats, coconut flakes, cashews, and dried Inca berries. Infused with the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the richness of coconut oil, it’s the perfect way to energize your mornings. Whether paired with yogurt or as a topping for smoothie bowls, this granola awakens your senses and nourishes your body like no other.
5. Ice Cream Cake
This delightful Ice Cream Cake recipe is a work of art that promises to make your little ones’ birthdays extra special. Two layers of decadent chocolate cake generously hug a humble layer of delicious vanilla ice cream with a colorful surprise of sprinkles within. A fluffy whipped cream frosting sits on top like the crowning glory, making this cake a true celebration of all things fun and festive.
6. Italian Sausage Meatballs
Succulent ground pork sausage, rich Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic mingle together to form delectable orbs of goodness. Miniature in appearance yet packs a protein punch, these Italian Sausage Meatballs are so flavorful yet extremely easy to make in under 30 minutes. Bid farewell to greasy, oil-laden alternatives as this recipe adapts a cleaner, oven-baked approach to keep your health goals in check. Serve with a sauce or toss with your favorite pasta if you are craving a timeless classic of spaghetti and meatballs.
7. Ice Pops
These sweet and fruity ice pops are made with a homemade smoothie mixture that includes fresh or frozen fruit blended with water and sweetener. You can use any fruit to make these ice pops to enjoy different flavors. Free from artificial flavors and dyes, these are a healthy alternative to store-bought ice pops. Perfect for summer, these delicious delights are super easy to make but will be finished in seconds.
8. Instant Oatmeal
Oats for breakfast always sound like a dull morning kicker, but not all oats are created equal. Made with quick oats, chia seeds, and ground flax, this instant oatmeal is a far cry from all those bland mixtures. Need even more inspiration? It’s super delicious, crazy simple, and budget-friendly. You can even prep the mix for the whole week. Customize it with toppings when serving, including mini chocolate chips and nuts for added crunch and nutrition.
9. Irish Hot Whiskey
As the winter chill sets in, nothing can ward off the winter flu and cold like this Irish Whiskey. It’s a timeless classic that warms you inside out with its exquisite blend of Irish Whiskey, brown sugar, and citrusy lemon notes. The infusion of whole cloves adds spice, which perfectly complements the smooth, mellow texture and floral, fruity flavor of the Whiskey.
10. Irish Stew
As the winter winds pick up, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of this Irish stew to warm up your body and soul. Tender meat, carrots, and potatoes, all simmered to perfection in a savory and complex beef broth, making it a perfect comfort food for chilly weeknights! Feel free to use lamb, mutton, or beef, and toss in your favorite veggies to make it your own.
11. Italian Ice
This homemade Italian ice takes a few minutes to make without using any fancy equipment. All you need is a food processor or blender to create this sweet and tangy delight. Made with simple ingredients such as water, honey/granulated sugar, fresh fruit, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing dessert. This recipe is dairy-free and perfect for your kiddos. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh basil or mint leaves.
12. Irish Soda Bread
With just 4 main ingredients – flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk – this Irish Soda Bread recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking quick, no-fuss, and delicious homemade bread. Baking soda in this recipe acts as a leavening agent, eliminating yeast and long rising times. And yet, you end up with a golden-brown loaf with a crispy exterior and a soft, melt-in-the-mouth interior.
13. Irish Cream
Irish cream is an alcoholic beverage with a rich, sweet flavor made from Irish Whiskey, cream, and other flavorings. For this homemade Baileys Irish Cream recipe, condensed milk, heavy cream, Jameson Irish Whiskey, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and vanilla extract come together to create a luscious drink that rivals even the most high-end store-bought alternatives. Serve it over ice or straight up as a liqueur, and let the warmth of this liquid gold envelop your senses.
14. Idiyappam
Also known as string hoppers, Idiyappam is a rice flour noodle dish that you eat by dipping it into curry. You can also enjoy it in a soup served with chicken curry, vegetable korma, or eggs. And when your sweet tooth kicks in, just add some ghee, shredded coconut, and sugar or sweetened coconut milk to make it a heavenly dessert.
15. Instant Pot Ramen Noodles with Chicken
Instant ramen noodles have become a global sensation, and this Instant Pot twist takes convenience up a notch by combining speed, flavor, and comfort in a single bowl. Succulent chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a broth infused with the aromatic dance of garlic and mushrooms—all effortlessly crafted in the Instant Pot within 30 minutes. Topped with green onions, red cabbage, cilantro, sesame seeds, and a hint of lime, these Instant noodles are comfort food at their finest.
16. Iced Tea
This refreshing iced tea is sure to be a hit at summer BBQs or potlucks. Simple to make and can be enjoyed sweetened/unsweetened, this refreshing drink is made using brewed black tea, filtered water, and a sweetener. It can also be made using green tea, herbal tea, or loose-leaf tea. Experiment with different sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, coconut sugar, or maple syrup. Don’t let the tea steep longer, as it will taste bitter.
17. Ice Cream Soda
This Ice Cream Soda recipe is a refreshing and fizzy summer treat that is still so delicious! What makes this recipe truly remarkable is its simplicity and versatility. With just three main ingredients – vanilla ice cream, caramel topping, and club soda – you can whip up a delightful treat in minutes. Top with some whipped cream and serve with biscuits and see how this refreshing beverage wins hearts at your next summer BBQ.
18. Idaho® Potato Pillows
These golden triangles offer a satisfying crunch on the outside while maintaining a pillowy, soft texture on the inside. Thanks to nutrient-dense Idaho potatoes as their star ingredient, these golden pillows are packed with fiber, vitamin C, B6, magnesium, and potassium. Serve them with a sprinkle of salt and pair them with guacamole or tomato and cilantro salsa for a snacking experience that’s indulgent and irresistible.
19. Indian Beef Curry
Seasoned beef is slowly cooked in aromatics, tomatoes, and Indian spices that create a flavorful base for the curry and infuse it with bold and spicy flavors. Serve this Indian beef curry with basmati rice. Experiment with ingredients to add a unique twist to this traditional Indian curry. Meal prep and freezer friendly!
20. Imarti
Also known as Jalebi, Imarti is another royal Indian confectionery that looks like a circular pretzel with an orange-red color and a chewy, sugary texture. Imarti is fermented dough poured into hot oil in a spiral shape, fried, and then immersed in sugar syrup. Imarti dough is made from urad dal, rice flour, orange food color, and ghee, while sugar syrup is a mixture of sugar, water, rose water, cardamom pods, lemon juice, and saffron.
21. Ilama Fruit
Ilama is a delicious tropical fruit from Central America and South America. It has a spiky green or brownish-green outer skin that feels soft to the touch, while inside, it features a luscious, creamy, and juicy texture. Not only is this fruit a must-try for its delectable taste but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals. Enjoy it fresh, or toss it into desserts and drinks for tropical goodness.
22. Indian Almond Fruit
Indian almond fruit is a tropical delicacy that showcases vibrant red and green hues when ripe. This precious fruit has its roots in Asia, Australia, the Pacific, and Madagascar and is highly valued for its mineral-rich content. The seeds of this fruit are particularly delicious, with a nutty flavor like almonds or hazelnuts, and the oil derived from them can be used for culinary purposes.
23. Instant Chocolate Pudding
Ditch all those sugary store-bought puddings because making a homemade one is a breeze with an instant pudding mix. There are only 5 ingredients involved that you have in your pantry and 15 minutes of your time. No need for prolonged waiting – mix the instant chocolate pudding with whole milk, boil, simmer, and refrigerate. And voila! Your kids (and even adults) with a sweet tooth will go crazy over this lip-smacking dessert.
24. Indian Spiced Peas
These Indian Spiced Peas are made with frozen peas (a blue flowering plant part of the legume family) and a homemade blend of flavorful spices. In just 10 minutes, you can have a delicious vegan side ready to serve alongside your delicious curry. Using spices is an easy and healthy way to infuse your meals with flavor, and this recipe is a perfect example of that. Elevate the flavor of these Indian peas by using any frozen vegetables such as carrots, red bell peppers, or corn.
25. Israeli Falafel
Renowned as a national dish of Israel, Israeli falafel is a popular Middle Eastern Street snack. At its core, falafel consists of chickpeas, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices, all blended into a coarse mixture. This mixture is then shaped into small balls and deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior. Typically served on pita bread, it becomes a complete meal with garnishes such as chopped tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
