Discover a world of vibrant flavors with spices that begin with the letter R! From fiery red peppers to fragrant herbs, these spices add a special kick to any dish. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious cook, exploring spices starting with R opens up endless culinary possibilities. Let’s spice things up and dive into this flavorful alphabet!
1. Ras El Hanout
Originating from North Africa, Ras El Hanout is a colorful blend of spices. It offers a complex flavor profile with warm, aromatic, and slightly spicy notes, making it a staple in Moroccan cuisine.
Contains various spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. It provides antioxidants and essential oils that may boost health, with about 25 calories per 20g serving.
Best use in hearty stews, tagines, and grilled meats. Adds depth to marinades and rice dishes, enhancing flavor and aroma.
- Use in stews, marinades, and roasted meats
Diet-friendly for those following a low-calorie or anti-inflammatory diet. Pair with honey or lemon for added flavor.
2. Red Harissa Seasoning
A spicy North African chili paste that adds heat and depth to meals. Made from chili peppers, garlic, and spices, it provides a smoky, fiery flavor with a hint of garlic.
Contains antioxidants and capsaicin. About 30 calories per 20g serving. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and boosting metabolism.
Perfect in tagines, soups, marinades, or as a condiment. Also great in roasted vegetables or eggs.
- Use in sauces, marinades, or as a dip
Combine with lemon, yogurt, or olive oil for balanced flavors. Suitable for spicy food lovers and weight management diets.
3. Rendang Curry Mix
This blend is used to make Rendang, a rich Indonesian beef stew. It combines spices like turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, and chili, creating a complex, aromatic flavor.
Offers antioxidants and essential oils from various herbs. About 25 calories per 20g. Known for anti-inflammatory properties and energy-boosting effects.
Best in slow-cooked stews, curries, or marinades for meats and vegetables.
- Use in curry dishes and slow-cooked meats
Pairs with coconut milk, lime, or basil. Suitable for hearty and healthy meals.
4. Rice Paddy Herb (Limnophila aromatica)
A fragrant herb from Vietnam that has citrus and cumin-like flavors. It adds a fresh, bright aroma to dishes, especially in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Low in calories, about 10 calories per 20g. Contains antioxidants and aids digestion. Known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Use in salads, soups, or as a garnish in seafood dishes. Also in pickles and stir-fries.
- Use fresh in salads or cooked in soups
Pairs with lime, chili, or coriander. Ideal for digestive health and flavor enhancement.
5. Rogan Josh Curry Powder/Mix
This spice blend is essential in the Kashmiri dish Rogan Josh. It features spices like paprika, fennel, and cinnamon, creating a rich, aromatic, and mildly spicy flavor.
Contains antioxidants and essential oils. About 25 calories per 20g. Known for anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
Perfect for curries, slow-cooked meats, and vegetable stews.
- Use in curries, marinades, or rice dishes
Pairs nicely with yogurt, garlic, or ginger. Suitable for flavorful, hearty meals.
6. Rosemary
A fragrant herb with needle-like leaves, originating from the Mediterranean. It has a piney, woody aroma and a slightly bitter taste that enhances many dishes.
Contains antioxidants and essential oils, with around 5 calories per 20g. Known for its anti-inflammatory and cognitive benefits.
Use in roasted meats, potatoes, bread, or infused oils. Adds flavor in stews and marinades.
- Use in roasting, grilling, or seasoning
Pair with lemon, garlic, or olive oil. Suitable for boosting memory and digestion.
7. Rue (Ruta graveolens)
A bitter herb with blue-green leaves, used sparingly in cooking for its strong aroma and flavor. It is traditionally used in small amounts for medicinal or culinary purposes in some cuisines.
Contains compounds that may have medicinal benefits but should be used carefully. Very low in calories, about 2 calories per 20g.
Use in small quantities in herbal blends or pickles; not recommended for regular culinary use due to toxicity risk.
Dietary caution advised; best paired with herbs like lemon or honey when used medicinally.
8. Rose Baie (Pink Peppercorns)
Not true peppercorns but dried berries with a mild, sweet flavor and a rosy aroma. They add a delicate fruity spice to dishes and are popular in gourmet cooking.
Low in calories, about 5 calories per 20g. Contains antioxidants and compounds beneficial for health.
Use in salad dressings, seafood, desserts, or as a garnish for cheese platters.
- Use in spice blends, sauces, or as a garnish
Pairs well with citrus, herbs, or creamy cheeses. Ideal for adding a floral note to dishes.
Eleena Wills is a passionate health and wellness writer with over 5 years of experience in simplifying complex health topics for everyday readers. She holds a background in health communication and has contributed to multiple reputable wellness platforms. Eleena is committed to sharing science-backed tips on nutrition, mental well-being, fitness, and lifestyle habits that support long-term health. When she’s not writing, she’s experimenting with healthy recipes or practicing yoga.