Fresh green asparagus spears arranged on a wooden cutting board, showcasing their vibrant color and texture
Fresh green asparagus spears arranged on a wooden cutting board, showcasing their vibrant color and texture

Exploring Amazing Foods That Start With A: A Culinary Journey

What Food Starts With A? Are you curious about expanding your culinary horizons and discovering new tastes from around the globe? This comprehensive guide from FOODS.EDU.VN unveils a delightful array of edibles that begin with the letter “A”, from everyday staples to exotic delicacies. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer variety and the rich culinary traditions behind them!

This guide will take you on an exciting culinary adventure, introducing you to a wide range of foods beginning with the letter A, including delicious dishes and unique food items! If you’re looking for new flavors, interesting facts, or want to diversify your understanding of cooking, this is just what you need. Discover delicious and amazing foods on foods.edu.vn today.

1. Fruits and Vegetables That Start With A: Nature’s Bounty

Embark on a flavorful journey through the vibrant world of fruits and vegetables, each beginning with the letter “A,” offering a spectrum of tastes, textures, and nutritional benefits.

1.1. Asparagus: The Springtime Delicacy

Asparagus, a springtime delicacy, is a nutritional powerhouse. It is known for its distinct, grassy flavor, asparagus spears are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, as confirmed by studies published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

  • Selection: Look for firm, bright green stalks with tightly closed tips.
  • Preparation: Snap off the tough ends before cooking.
  • Cooking: Roast, grill, steam, or sauté for a delicious side dish.
  • Tip: Try drizzling roasted asparagus with lemon juice and Parmesan cheese.

1.2. Avocado: The Creamy Superfood

Avocado, a creamy superfood, has taken the culinary world by storm. It has a smooth texture and rich flavor, avocados are a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, as highlighted by the Harvard School of Public Health.

  • Ripening: Gently squeeze; a ripe avocado will yield slightly.
  • Preparation: Cut lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh.
  • Serving: Enjoy mashed on toast, sliced in salads, or blended into smoothies.
  • Tip: Add a squeeze of lime juice to prevent browning.

1.3. Amaranth Leaves: The Nutrient-Rich Greens

Amaranth leaves, originating from the amaranth plant, these leafy greens are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C, according to research from the National Institutes of Health.

  • Taste: Similar to spinach, with a slightly earthy flavor.
  • Usage: Sauté, steam, or add to soups and stews.
  • Benefits: High in iron, calcium, and protein.
  • Tip: Combine with garlic and olive oil for a simple and nutritious side dish.

1.4. Arrowroot: The Gluten-Free Thickener

Arrowroot, a starch extracted from the arrowroot plant, is a versatile gluten-free thickener. Its ease of digestion and lack of gluten make it perfect for those with gluten allergies, states the Celiac Disease Foundation.

  • Form: Available as a powder or flour.
  • Usage: Use to thicken sauces, soups, and desserts.
  • Advantage: Creates a clear, glossy finish.
  • Tip: Mix with cold water before adding to hot liquids to prevent clumping.

1.5. Artichoke: The Mediterranean Delight

Artichoke, this vegetable with a slightly bitter taste transforms into a culinary delight when cooked. Low in fat and high in fiber, artichokes are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, confirms a study in the Journal of Functional Foods.

  • Preparation: Trim the spiky leaves and stem before cooking.
  • Cooking: Steam, boil, or grill until tender.
  • Serving: Dip the leaves in melted butter or aioli.
  • Tip: The heart of the artichoke is the most prized part.

1.6. Arugula: The Peppery Green

Arugula, also known as rocket, this leafy green adds a peppery kick to any dish. Belonging to the same family as kale and broccoli, arugula is rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, highlights research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

  • Taste: Peppery and slightly bitter.
  • Usage: Add to salads, sandwiches, or pizza.
  • Pairing: Complements citrus or vinegar-based dressings.
  • Tip: Combine with goat cheese and walnuts for a flavorful salad.

1.7. Aubergine: The Versatile Eggplant

Aubergine, also known as eggplant, this versatile fruit can be used in a variety of dishes. Rich in fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants, aubergines are a great addition to any healthy diet, according to the BBC Good Food Guide.

  • Preparation: Slice, dice, or roast whole.
  • Usage: Feature in baba ganoush, moussaka, or vegetarian curries.
  • Taste: Mild and slightly sweet when cooked.
  • Tip: Salt eggplant slices before cooking to reduce bitterness.

1.8. Apricots: The Sweet Stone Fruit

Apricots, originating from China and Central Asia, these stone fruits offer a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. Rich in vitamins A and C, apricots are a nutritious snack, states the Mayo Clinic.

  • Form: Available fresh, dried, or canned.
  • Taste: Sweet and slightly tangy.
  • Usage: Eat fresh, add to baked goods, or make jam.
  • Tip: Dried apricots make a healthy and convenient snack.

1.9. Asian Greens: The Stir-Fry Staple

Asian greens, a mix of leafy vegetables, these greens are a staple in stir-fries and other Asian dishes. Low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, Asian greens are a healthy addition to any meal, according to WebMD.

  • Varieties: Include Chinese broccoli, bok choy, and choy sum.
  • Usage: Stir-fry, steam, or add to soups.
  • Pairing: Complements soy, ginger, and black bean sauce.
  • Tip: Add to noodles or rice for a quick and easy meal.

1.10. Apples: The Everyday Favorite

Apples, a versatile and widely available fruit, are a staple in many diets. Rich in fiber and phytonutrients, apples promote gut health and reduce the risk of certain diseases, according to Healthline.

  • Varieties: Over 7,000 varieties worldwide.
  • Usage: Eat fresh, bake into pies and muffins, or make juice.
  • Benefits: Good for gut health and may lower disease risk.
  • Tip: Eating apples with the skin on provides more nutrients.

1.11. Aonori: The Japanese Seaweed

Aonori, a type of green seaweed from Japan, is a popular garnish in Japanese cuisine. High in calcium, magnesium, and amino acids, aonori adds a nutritional boost to any dish, as noted by research in the Journal of Applied Phycology.

  • Form: Dried and crushed into flakes.
  • Taste: Adds umami flavor to dishes.
  • Usage: Sprinkle over rice, noodles, or okonomiyaki.
  • Tip: Enhances the flavor of Japanese dishes.

1.12. Acorn Squash: The Winter Delight

Acorn squash, belonging to the winter squash family, is a versatile vegetable with a sweet and nutty flavor. Rich in vitamins A and C, acorn squash is a nutritious addition to any meal, according to the USDA FoodData Central.

  • Preparation: Cut in half, remove seeds, and roast.
  • Taste: Sweet and nutty.
  • Usage: Roast, make soup, or stuff with vegetables and grains.
  • Tip: Roasting brings out its natural sweetness.

1.13. Anchovy Pear: The West Indies Native

Anchovy pear, native to the West Indies, this fruit has a unique flavor and appearance. While it looks like a pear, it’s related to the brazil nut.

  • Taste: Similar to mango.
  • Usage: Eat raw, cooked, or pickled.
  • Fun Fact: Despite its name, it doesn’t taste like anchovies.
  • Tip: Can be served pickled as a unique side dish.

1.14. Achacha: The Amazonian Treat

Achacha, a tropical fruit from the Amazon Basin, offers a sweet and tangy flavor. Known locally as “honey kiss,” achacha is a refreshing treat, notes a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

  • Taste: Sweet and sour, similar to mango.
  • Preparation: Pinch the skin to open and access the fruit.
  • Serving: Eat at room temperature or frozen.
  • Tip: A refreshing snack when frozen.

1.15. Acai Berry: The South American Superfruit

Acai berry, native to the South American rainforests, these berries are packed with antioxidants. Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, acai berries are a nutritious addition to any diet, according to research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

  • Taste: A mix of blackberries and dark chocolate.
  • Preparation: Soaked and mashed into a paste.
  • Usage: Base for smoothie bowls, smoothies, or juices.
  • Tip: Combine with other fruits and granola for a healthy breakfast bowl.

1.16. Ackee: The Jamaican Delicacy

Ackee, a tropical fruit from West Africa, is a key ingredient in Jamaica’s national dish. It must be prepared properly to avoid toxicity.

  • Origin: West Africa, brought to Jamaica in the 18th century.
  • Preparation: Must be fully ripe and properly prepared to avoid toxicity.
  • Usage: Key ingredient in Ackee and Saltfish.
  • Tip: Only the arils are edible.

1.17. Amanatsu: The Japanese Summer Orange

Amanatsu, known as Japanese summer orange, this citrus fruit offers a sweet and sour flavor. Less acidic than other citrus fruits, amanatsu is a refreshing treat, notes a report from the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

  • Taste: Aromatic, sweet, and sour.
  • Usage: Eat fresh, juice, or candy the rind.
  • Tip: Enjoy fresh to get the full flavor and juice.

1.18. Acerola: The Vitamin C Powerhouse

Acerola, cherry-like berries grown from an evergreen shrub, are a rich source of Vitamin C. Native to South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, acerola cherries are a tangy and nutritious treat, confirms research in the Journal of Food Science and Technology.

  • Taste: Tart and tangy with a hint of sweetness.
  • Usage: Eat fresh, juice, or use as a dried powder.
  • Benefit: High in Vitamin C.
  • Tip: Best eaten when fresh.

1.19. Alfalfa Sprouts: The Salad Topper

Alfalfa sprouts, with a mild flavor, these sprouts are a great addition to sandwiches and salads. Low in calories but high in vitamins, alfalfa sprouts are a nutritious topping, according to Healthline.

  • Taste: Mild and slightly nutty.
  • Usage: Top sandwiches and salads.
  • Benefits: High in vitamins C and K.
  • Tip: Add to sandwiches for a crunchy texture and nutritional boost.

1.20. Asian Pears: The Crisp and Juicy Fruit

Asian pears, also called Korean pears, Japanese pears, or Chinese pears, are a type of fruit native to East Asia. Known for their crisp, apple-like texture, Asian pears are less acidic than European pears.

  • Taste: Slightly sweet, tart, and floral.
  • Usage: Eat fresh, add to salads, or cook into compotes.
  • Tip: Great as a snack or diced in salads.

1.21. Arame: The Edible Seaweed

Arame, also known as sea oak, is a type of edible seaweed native to the eastern shores of Asia. Boasting a subtle sweetness with a hint of earthiness and a touch of the sea, Arame is commonly used in Asian cuisine: you’ll often find it in seaweed salads, soups, stews, stir-fries, and even casseroles or grain bowls.

1.22. Amarelle Cherries: The Tart Cherry

Amarelle cherries are a type of tart cherry, known for their beautiful red skin, but their flesh is actually clear or yellowish, with all the pigmentation concentrated in the skin. Amarelle cherries are primarily used in cooking and baking due to their tartness. They’re a popular choice for pies, jams, and jellies, and can also be used to make liqueurs and other beverages.

1.23. Arracacha: The Peruvian Parsnip

Arracacha is a root vegetable native to the Andes Mountains of South America. This letter a food has a mild flavor, with a hint of nuttiness. This versatile ingredient and can be boiled, roasted, mashed, or fried, similar to how potatoes are used.

2. Ingredients and Snacks That Start With A: Pantry Essentials

Discover a variety of essential ingredients and snacks that begin with the letter “A”, adding depth and flavor to your culinary creations.

2.1. Almonds: The Versatile Nut

Almonds, edible seeds from the almond tree, these nuts are a versatile and nutritious snack. Rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium, almonds are a great addition to any diet, according to research in the British Journal of Nutrition.

  • Form: Available raw, roasted, as flour, butter, or milk.
  • Usage: Eat as a snack, add to baked goods, or use in savory dishes.
  • Benefits: Good for heart health and may help regulate blood sugar.
  • Tip: Almond butter is a great alternative to peanut butter.

2.2. Agave Syrup: The Natural Sweetener

Agave syrup, a natural sweetener from the agave plant, is a popular alternative to honey. Often used by vegans as a sweet alternative to honey and golden syrup.

  • Taste: Sweet, similar to honey but thinner.
  • Usage: Sweeten desserts, snacks, or beverages.
  • Tip: Use in moderation due to its high fructose content.

2.3. Adzuki Beans: The Protein-Rich Legume

Adzuki beans, small beans from East Asia and the Himalayas, are a great source of protein. Very sweet in taste and are a great source of protein.

  • Taste: Sweet and nutty.
  • Usage: Used in red bean desserts, chili, curry, and buddha bowls.
  • Benefits: High in protein and fiber.
  • Tip: Versatile and can be used in a variety of meals.

2.4. Ashcake: The Arabian Bread

Ashcake, a type of bread made in Arabian countries, it is cooked over heated stones and covered with hot ash. Made over a layer of heated stones and then covered with hot ash to cook.

  • Ingredients: Flour and water.
  • Preparation: Made over heated stones and covered with ash.
  • Tip: Salt, nuts, and berries can be added for flavor.

2.5. All-Purpose Flour: The Baking Staple

All-purpose flour, a staple ingredient in baking and cooking, is a versatile wheat flour. Used in so many different recipes!

  • Usage: Suitable for breads, pizza dough, cookies, cakes, and pancakes.
  • Texture: Provides structure to breads and fluffiness to cakes.
  • Tip: A must-have pantry staple for home cooks.

2.6. Almond Butter: The Nutty Spread

Almond butter, made from grinding almonds into a paste, is a healthy and delicious spread. Great in smoothies, oatmeal, as a topping for pancakes or yogurt bowls.

  • Taste: Mild, nutty, and slightly sweet.
  • Usage: Spread on toast, crackers, or fruit slices.
  • Benefits: Rich in healthy fats and vitamin E.
  • Tip: Use as a substitute for peanut butter.

2.7. Anejo Cheese: The Mexican Delight

Anejo cheese, also known as Queso Añejo, is a firm and flavorful aged cheese with Mexican roots. Mexican roots.

  • Taste: Sharp, salty, tangy, and nutty.
  • Usage: Topping for enchiladas, tacos, and burritos.
  • Tip: Similar to Parmesan or Romano cheese.

2.8. Apple Cider Vinegar: The Tangy Liquid

Apple cider vinegar, made from fermented apple juice, is a versatile ingredient. A distinct flavor profile

  • Taste: Sharp, tangy, and acidic.
  • Usage: Used in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces.
  • Tip: Use unfiltered vinegar for a more complex flavor.

2.9. Asiago Cheese: The Italian Cheese

Asiago cheese, a versatile Italian cheese made from cow’s milk, offers a unique flavor. Flavor changes with age.

  • Taste: Mild and sweet when young, sharper and nuttier when aged.
  • Usage: Sliced in salads, sandwiches, or grated on pasta dishes.
  • Tip: Pairs well with various ingredients.

2.10. American Cheese: The Processed Favorite

American cheese, a processed cheese, is a popular choice for burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. Cut into flat square shapes.

  • Taste: Mild and creamy.
  • Usage: Topping for burgers or in grilled cheese sandwiches.
  • Tip: Known for its melt-ability.

2.11. Apas Biscuits: The Filipino Treat

Apas biscuits, thin, crispy cookies from the Philippines, are a delightful treat. These foods that begin with the letter a are a delightful and simple treat, offering a delicious taste of Filipino baking traditions.

  • Taste: Mildly sweet and slightly milky.
  • Usage: Snack with hot drinks like coffee or tea.
  • Tip: Can be enjoyed on their own or crumbled over desserts.

3. Condiments and Spices That Start With A: Flavor Enhancers

Enhance your dishes with a variety of condiments and spices that start with the letter “A,” adding unique flavors and aromas to your culinary creations.

3.1. Allspice: The Versatile Spice

Allspice, made from the dried berries of the Pimenta Dioica plant, is a versatile spice with a complex flavor. Resembles a combination of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper.

  • Taste: Resembles cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pepper.
  • Usage: Used in chutneys, soups, desserts, and seasonal recipes.
  • Origin: Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.
  • Tip: Key ingredient in Jamaican jerk seasoning.

3.2. Ajowan Seed: The Indian Spice

Ajowan seed, also known as carom seed, grows in India and Iran. Looks like fennel but taste more similar to oregano and anise.

  • Taste: Similar to oregano and anise.
  • Usage: Used to increase the herbal flavor of a dish.
  • Tip: Frying the seeds releases their natural, nutty flavor.

3.3. Anise Seed: The Licorice Flavor

Anise seeds, from the Pimpinella anisum plant, these seeds provide a licorice flavor. The seeds are from the Pimpinella anisum plant which grows in Egypt, the Middle East, and Europe.

  • Taste: Licorice flavor.
  • Usage: Baked in fruit pies or used to season meat.
  • Tip: Often used in Italian biscotti and alcoholic beverages like anisette and ouzo.

3.4. Alfredo Sauce: The Creamy Italian Sauce

Alfredo sauce, a simple white, creamy sauce from Italy, is a popular choice for pasta dishes. Most often served mixed with pasta.

  • Ingredients: Butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Usage: Served with pasta.
  • Tip: Can be lightened up by using less cream or cream cheese.

3.5. Agrodolce: The Italian Condiment

Agrodolce, an Italian condiment combining reduced honey, vinegar, fruit, and/or vegetables, offers a sweet and sour flavor. Offers a complimentary taste when served with pork chops, chicken wings, or even roasted vegetables.

  • Taste: Sweet and sour.
  • Usage: Served with pork chops, chicken wings, or roasted vegetables.
  • Tip: Offers a complimentary taste when served with various dishes.

3.6. Allemande Sauce: The German Sauce

Allemande sauce, also called ‘German sauce’ is made from veal veloute. Cream and eggs are added to thicken the sauce along with seasoning.

This sauce is often used as a base for making other sauces such as poulette and aurora, but can also be served with a range of meats, vegetables, or eggs.

3.7. Achiote: The Red Spice

Achiote comes from the seeds of the annatto tree, and is a vibrant red spice commonly found in the tropical regions of South America. Known for its deep red color.

  • Taste: Mildly sweet, nutty, peppery and earthy.
  • Usage: Marinating meats, spice pastes and achiote oil, or even as a natural food color for savory dishes.
  • Tip: When it’s used as food coloring, it’s often called “annatto” on the ingredients list.

3.8. Ajika: The Spicy Georgian Condiment

Ajika, also spelled adjika, is a spicy condiment with Georgian roots. This vibrant condiment is crafted from a blend of hot chili peppers, garlic, herbs, and spices, all grounded together to create a thick paste or dip.

Ajika has a complex taste profile that’s both spicy, garlicky, floral, and savory.

3.9. Aioli: The Garlic Sauce

Aioli is a garlicky sauce with origins in the Mediterranean, specifically the Provence region of France and Catalonia in Spain. Traditionally, aioli is made by pounding garlic and olive oil together in a mortar and pestle.

These days, some recipes incorporate egg yolks and lemon juice for a thicker, creamier consistency.

3.10. Arrabbiata Sauce: The Spicy Tomato Sauce

Arrabbiata sauce is a spicy, flavorful tomato-based sauce originating from the Lazio region of central Italy, particularly Rome. Features the rich sweetness of simmered tomatoes but with a significant kick of spiciness from crushed red pepper flakes.

I will often use arrabbiata sauce instead of regular marinara sauce for pasta because I love the additional flavor it brings.

3.11. Aloe Vera: The Succulent Plant

Aloe vera isn’t technically a food, but a succulent plant with thick, spiky leaves that contains a gel that can be used in supplements, creams, lotions and more. Topical creams and lotions containing aloe are widely used for soothing sunburns, minor cuts, and skin irritations.

3.12. Atchar: The Tangy Indian Condiment

Atchar, also spelled achar or achari, is a tangy and spicy condiment made with pickled fruits and vegetables, originating in India.

In India, atchar is often served alongside curries, rice dishes, or even as a snack on its own. It can also be used as a condiment for sandwiches or wraps, or even added to salads for a burst of flavor and texture.

4. Side Dishes That Start With A: Complements to Any Meal

Explore a variety of side dishes that begin with the letter “A”, perfect for complementing any meal with unique flavors and textures.

4.1. Antipasto: The Italian Starter

Antipasto is an Italian word that means ‘before the meal’. It is a dish that is usually served as a shared starter and includes meats, cheeses, olives, pickles, crackers, vegetables, and fruit.

4.2. Asida: The African Staple

This sub-saharan African dish is also known as posho, ugali, pap, and fufu, depending upon the country and local language spoken. is a side dish made from grains and almost resembles a ‘doughy’ bread roll.

Similar to how rice or potatoes are used in other countries.

4.3. Adai: The Tamil Pancake

Adai is a protein-rich pancake made from rice and lentils (a combination of moong dal, urad dal, and other dals) and is part of the Tamil cuisine. First, you soak the ingredients and then grind them into a batter.

At this point you can add your selected herbs and spices, with common flavors added such as ginger, chili peppers, and cumin seeds.

4.4. Applesauce: The Sweet and Tangy Side

Applesauce is extremely popular in the US, Australia, and the United Kingdom and is most commonly used as a snack, dessert, or side with goose or pork roasted dinners. Extremely simple to make.

4.5. Appam: The Indian Hopper

Appam’s are soft hoppers, similar in appearance to a pancake. They are made from fermented rice, which is ground, and coconut batter. Baking soda, yeast or palm toddy can be used to ferment the rice mixture.

4.6. Abbruzze Cheese Spread: The Spicy Italian Spread

Abbruzze cheese spread, rooted in Italy’s Abruzzo region, is a spicy, flavorful blend of creamy cheese, garlic, herbs, and sometimes hot peppers. It’s typically made with a base of cheddar or Italian cheeses, but has been adapted and popularized in various forms around the world (using different cheeses and other blends).

4.7. Arancini: The Sicilian Rice Balls

Arancini are fried rice balls that are made with leftover risotto! They originated in Sicily, Italy, and they’re not your average rice ball! The cooled risotto is formed into spheres, typically enclosing a savory surprise like mozzarella cheese or ragù (meat sauce).

4.8. Arepas: The Latin American Flatbread

I make arepas at home often, they are delightful flatbreads made from ground cornmeal, a staple food in many parts of Latin America. While they are believed to have originated in South America, you can find arepas in many restaurants and even in stores as a grab and go option.

This food that starts with an a is made from finely or coarsely ground white or yellow cornmeal and are then formed into patties and cooked on a griddle, boiled, or even fried.

5. Vegetarian Dishes That Start With A: Meat-Free Delights

Discover a variety of vegetarian dishes that begin with the letter “A”, offering flavorful and satisfying meat-free options.

5.1. Asian Noodles: The Versatile Staple

Asian noodles are incredibly common and a staple food in China. They are usually broken into different categories based on the types of noodles used such as wheat noodles, rice noodles, and glass noodles.

5.2. Aloco: The West African Plantain Snack

Aloco is a West African snack made from plantains. Plantains are a type of banana plant and are often confused with bananas.

But unlike the sweetness you get from a banana, aloco’s are actually a starchy vegetable.

5.3. Ambuyat: The Bruneian National Dish

Ambuyat is the national dish of Brunei and is made from the inside of the trunk of a sago palm. Ambuyat looks a little like glue paste and resembles a similar consistency too.

It’s a starchy substance that is traditionally eaten with a two-pronged utensil made from bamboo called ‘chandas’. Ambuyat is most often eaten with lots of side dishes such as fish, beef, prawns, and vegetables.

5.4. Arborio Rice: The Creamy Rice

Originally from Italy, Arborio rice is now cooked around the world. It is oval-shaped and quite thick in size compared with other grains e.g. basmati or long-grain rice.

Cooking with Arborio rice provides a creamy consistency to a dish in comparison to other types of rice, due to its starchy coating.

5.5. Aloo Gobi: The Indian Delight

Aloo gobi is an Indian dish that translates to “potato cauliflower”. The key ingredients are cooked in one pot along with onions, tomatoes, and spices.

5.6. Akara: The African Bean Fritters

Akara is also called African bean fritters, black-eyed peas fritters, or Acaraje. Though originating from Nigeria, it is now a popular dish across multiple African countries.

This dish is a deep-fried bean cake made from black-eyed peas paste. Depending upon the country, it can be eaten at different meals during the day.

5.7. Alphabet Soup: The Childhood Favorite

I used to eat alphabet soup when I was a kid! This is a common childhood dish made from alphabet pasta (which you can find online and in grocery stores), vegetables, seasonings, and broth.

There are so many ways to make it and customize it based on your preferences. Feel free to add any seasonal veggies you like, make it spicy or savory (or both!), and enjoy!

5.8. Aligot: The Cheesy Mash

Aligot is a cheesy mashed potato dish, that originates from France. It’s like a mashup of mashed potatoes and fondue!

To make aligot, mashed potatoes are blended with butter, cream, and melty cheese (like Tome fraîche or Laguiole) until they reach a smooth, elastic consistency. It should be stretchy enough to pull a strand from the pot without breaking.

5.9. Aloo Baingan: The Indian Curry

Aloo baingan is a delicious, comforting vegetarian curry originating from Pakistan and North India. The name itself translates to “potato (aloo) and eggplant (baingan)” – and this curry is basically made with tender chunks of potatoes and eggplant simmered in a spiced onion-tomato base.

5.10. Angel Hair Pasta: The Delicate Pasta

Angel hair pasta, also known as capelli d’angelo in Italian, is a type of pasta known for its incredibly thin, long strands. Because it’s so thin, it has a light, delicate texture.

It pairs well with subtle sauces like simple olive oil or butter based sauces with herbs, pesto sauce, or simple tomato sauces.

5.11. Aush: The Hearty Soup

Aush (sometimes spelled ash or āsh) is a hearty and comforting thick soup, that’s part of Iranian or Afghan cuisine. The base typically features a flavorful broth simmered with vegetables, legumes, and sometimes even noodles.

5.12. Avocado Toast: The Trendy Breakfast

Avocado toast is so popular, you’ll probably find it on most breakfast and brunch menus at any restaurant you visit! I love making avocado toast at home. It’s a simple open-faced sandwich that’s typically ready in under 5 minutes!

6. Meat Dishes That Start With A: Savory Delights

Savor a variety of meat dishes that begin with the letter “A”, offering a range of flavors and culinary traditions from around the world.

6.1. Ahi Tuna: The Seared Delight

Ahi tuna is known as yellowfish tuna and bigeye tuna. When cooked, it is usually seared on the outside and left raw in the middle. Most often, it is cooked on it’s own, but does go well marinated in soy sauce and honey.

6.2. Adobo: The Filipino Staple

Adobo is a Filipino dish and a cornerstone of Filipino cuisine. More than just a recipe, it’s a cooking technique where meat, seafood, or vegetables are marinated in a flavorful vinegar and soy sauce base.

6.3. Amok Trey: The Cambodian Curry

This steamed fish curry is Cambodia’s national dish. Amok Trey is traditionally steamed in banana leaves and presented in a banana leaf bowl.

6.4. Abalone: The Chewy Mollusk

Abalone is a type of mollusk, a large sea snail with a flat shell on one side and foot on the other which it clings onto rocks with. It does have a chewy texture with a salty, yet buttery flavor.

6.5. Anchovies: The Salty Fish

Anchovies are small salty fish that live in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans

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