From savory main courses to vitamin-packed veggies and sinful desserts, there are many foods that start with R.
By the end of this article, you’ll be able to name 25 of them, so let’s get started!
1. Radish
Radish is a root vegetable that adds the perfect bite to any salad.
Not only are they crunchy and colorful, they also have many health benefits. They have antifungal properties, are rich in Vitamin C, and are low in calories.
2. Raisins
Like pineapples on pizza, raisins are a controversial topic with foodies! These fruity bits in your oatmeal cookies, breads, or fruit cakes are actually just dried grapes.
They’re the most consumed dried fruit in the US and are popular all over the world.
3. Ramen
Perfect for a rainy day, ramen is a Japanese dish made of noodles served in a broth with vegetables, meats, and a soft-boiled egg.
Instant ramen noodles can now be found in stores all across the globe. Along with sushi, it’s probably the most recognizable Japanese dish!
4. Ranch
No kitchen cupboard is complete without ranch! This popular dressing is used for many dishes like salads or even pizza.
There are many different brands you can buy at the store but it’s actually very easy to make at home. All you need is mayonnaise, buttermilk, salt, garlic, onion, and different kinds of herbs.
5. Raspberries
Considered a super fruit, raspberries are not only packed with sweet and juicy flavors, but are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
They can also range in color from red to black to even purple! Have them as a snack or use as a topping for pastries and desserts!
6. Ratatouille
This French vegetable dish made up of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers. Ratatouille is usually served as a salad, antipasto, or side.
Presentation is a big factor in this dish and if you want something pretty and colorful on your table, you can’t go wrong with ratatouille!
7. Red Cabbage
Cabbage comes in many different colors including white, green, and red. It’s high in fiber, Vitamin C, and packed with antioxidants.
In fact, out of all the different kinds of cabbage, red cabbage contains the most antioxidants!
8. Red Potatoes
Potatoes are among the most versatile foods to cook with! Red potatoes in particular are low in starch but high in moisture so they are able to hold their shape well.
They’re perfect for roasting and skillet cooking and their skins are thin so you don’t even have to peel them!
9. Red Velvet
A decadent dessert that starts with R is red velvet!
Originally, red velvet was a flavor of cake but now you can also enjoy it as a cupcake, ice cream, or beverage.
It’s made of cocoa so it has a hint of chocolate but with some acidity from buttermilk and vinegar. A truly unique dessert!
10. Reuben Sandwich
There’s nothing like a good ol’ Reuben sandwich. This famous dish is made of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and dressing.
Usually served with rye bread, it is said to have originated in New York by a German-Jewish restaurant owner named Arnold Reuben.
11. Rhubarb
A vegetable often mistaken for a fruit, rhubarb is known for its sour taste and large stalks.
Because of its strong sour taste, it’s usually cooked with sweeteners to balance out its flavors. In Asia, it’s even used medicinally.
12. Rice
There are many kinds of rice and several ways to cook them! Many cuisines around the world use rice in their most famous dishes like sushi, paella, or jambalaya.
They are easy to grow and are high in carbohydrates, making them very filling!
13. Rice Noodles
Noodles are popular all over Asia, but did you know there are many different kinds?
Rice noodles are one of them and they are usually transparent with a chewy texture. They can be flat or thin and can be used in stir-fry dishes like pad thai or even in a broth.
14. Rice Pudding
If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover rice, look no further than this tasty treat!
Rice pudding is easy to make with rice, water, milk, sweetener, and other ingredients like cinnamon or raisins. It’s a simple dish that’s both delicious and filling!
15. Ricotta Cheese
Probably the fluffiest cheese there is, ricotta cheese is made from cow, sheep, or goat’s milk.
The word ricotta actually means ‘recooked’ in Italian. That’s because this type of cheese is made from repurposed liquids from other cheeses. How unusual!
16. Rigatoni
Here’s another Italian food that starts with R… Rigatoni!
This short, tube shaped pasta are similar to ziti or penne but they are larger and can be slightly curved.
It works well with baked pasta dishes with thick sauces because rigatoni is sturdy and holds its shape well.
17. Rocky Mountain Oysters
You might be surprised to know that Rocky Mountain oysters aren’t made with oysters at all!
This appetizer is actually made with bull testicles that are coated in flour, salt, and pepper. Definitely an acquired taste, this unique delicacy originated in the Americas.
18. Rocky Road Ice Cream
An all-time favorite ice cream flavor is rocky road! It is traditionally composed of chocolate ice cream but with fun toppings like nuts, marshmallows, and even chocolate chips for added texture.
19. Romaine Lettuce
Also known as cos lettuce, this variety of lettuce is refreshing but sturdy!
Romaine lettuce is crunchy and won’t wilt easily even with thick dressings. Withstanding even heat, this veggie can even be grilled or sauteed!
20. Rum Cake
Here’s an R dessert you’ll definitely enjoy. Rum cake, a boozy and buttery dessert, is golden… literally!
It’s said that the best of these cakes are made in the Carribean where rum cakes are a traditional holiday treat.
21. Rye Bread
A high-fiber bread, rye bread is made of flour from rye grain and can vary in color from light to dark.
It’s a dense bread that can hold the tastiest, meanest sandwich ingredients.
It can even be made with molasses or cocoa powder to add flavor or color.
22. Russet Potatoes
When it comes to potatoes that people use most often, Russets are at the top of the list!
Perfect for baked potatoes, potato skins, and mashed potatoes, they’re pretty much a staple in American households.
23. Rutabaga
While they might not be as popular of a root veggie as potatoes, rutabagas are worth their weight in gold.
They’re packed with nutrients and antioxidants, including Vitamins E and C. They can help protect and strengthen your immune system.
24. Roma Tomatoes
If you’ve ever made your own homemade pasta sauce, then you likely used Roma tomatoes in the recipe.
Since Roma tomatoes have low moisture levels, they’re perfect for cooking down into not only sauce but tomato paste as well.
25. Risotto
While risotto might be a little bit tricky to master, it’s a decadent dish that no one can resist.
Flavor it with parmesan for a tempting side dish, or, incorporate your favorite veggies and meats to make it into an impressive entree.