The A-Z of vegetarianism

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R is for…

Radish: Small peppery tasting, crunchy vegetable, commonly pink or purple skinned with white flesh. For more information.

Raisins: Dried, large black grapes. Rich in vitamins and minerals, they are also a good source of fibre. Not to be confused with dried rabbit poo.

Raita: This traditional accompaniment to curries is a sauce or dip usually consisting of yoghurt mixed with chopped cucumber and mint.Samosa and cucumber raita recipe.

Rapeseed oil: If you’ve ever wondered what that field of bright yellow you can see from the car or train is, it’s probably the flowers of the Rape plant. The seeds from it are used to produce a mild, nutty tasting oil that can be used to cook with, or as a salad dressing and is also used as a biofuel. Sometimes also known as Canola oil.

Ratatouille: A traditionally vegetarian dish originating in France comprising of stewed vegetables (and no rats). Ratatouille can be served with pasta or rice, or as a side dish.

Ravioli: A pocket of pasta made by crimping two flat squares together and stuffed with a tasty filling. Popular veggie fillings include spinach and ricotta, four cheese (although check the cheeses are veggie), and pumpkin and sage. 

Rice flour: Flour made from, wait for it…rice. Rice flour is a useful alternative to wheat flour for those with gluten intolerance. Also used to make rice noodles.

Ricotta: A soft, Italian cheese commonly mixed with spinach and stuffed in ravioli, tortellini and other pasta shapes. Ricotta is made from the whey of separated milk using rennet so always check it ’s vegetarian.

Risotto: A rice-based meal, traditionally from Italy. Leek and pea risotto recipe.

Rocket: Peppery flavoured leaf often used in salad or any kind of vehicle powered by the thrust of a rocket engine.

Rooibos: A plant whose leaves are used to make a herbal tea also known as redbush tea, bush tea or even red tea. Rooibos is a caffeine-free alternative to black tea and originates from South Africa.

Root vegetables: Root veg are plants with edible roots! Carrots, swedes, parsnips, turnips, potatoes, sweet potatoes… you get the picture.

Rye: A similar grain to wheat and barley that is an ingredient in flour, rye bread, rye beer, some whisky, vodka and animal feed.

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