Ramen

Name: ‘Ramen’ is seen to be linked to 1) the Chinese lamian (hand-pulled noodles), 2) the Chinese laomian (old noodles) and 3) the Cantonese lāomiàn (stir).

Ramen (ラーメン) is a Japanese noodle dish which was actually introduced to Japan from China. 

Image from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/barron/58064965/

Most regions of Japan have their own variations of the dish, however its main ingredients are:

• Wheat noodles

• Fish or meat-based broth

• Occasionally soy sauce or miso

• Toppings such as egg, pork, seaweed, green onion, corn and kamaboko (cured white fish) 

After WWII, Japanese soldiers returning from war in China and East Asia began setting up Chinese restaraunts in Japan, as they had learnt much about Chinese food. Also, it was in this post-war period that flour started to be imported into Japan from the U.S.

When instant noodles were invented by Momofuku Ando in 1958, it was heralded as the greatest Japanese invention of the 20th century, as it allowed people to make instant ramen at home.

Ramen is now consumed in many countries around the world, and there is also a ramen museum in Yokohama.

A hollywood film was made in 2009 about a girl who decides to learn how to cook ramen (sounds like a riveting movie). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ramen_Girl

In Japan, ramen is even available in some vending machines.

Image from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jpellgen/3690213451/

Check out this video, in which a dog helps us learn how to make Ramen!

And here's a whole website dedicated to delicious ramen recipes for you to check out: http://www.ramenlicious.com
:)

Rhubarb

Image from: http://thatfoodiegirl.com/2011/07/14/my-latest-foodie-obsession-rhubarb/

Rhubarb is a group of plants that have large somewhat triangular green leaves and red stalks. Although it is generally considered a vegetable, a court decision in 1947 ruled that as rhubarb was used as a fruit, it would be classified as such. 

Rhubarb contains oxalate which has been reported to cause poisoning when taken in large quantities of raw or cooked leaves are ingested. Oxalates are contained in all parts of rhubarb plants especially in the green leaves. However the stalks contain low levels of oxalates so this should not cause a problem. 

Medicinally rhubarb has been used as a laxative for over 5000 years. It is also a common ingredient in traditional chinese medicine.

Rhubarb Pudding

Image from: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/3322/rhubarb-steamed-pudding

Generally the plants stalks are cooked with sugar and are used in pies and other desserts. But there are many variations of its use and some examples include:

• Rhubarb bread
• Rhubarb cake
• Rhubarb jam
• Rhubarb soup
• Rhubarb wine

Please try out this strawberry rhubarb tarts recipe!

Video from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZK3loG2k7w

Rice Pudding

Rice + Water or Milk=Rice Pudding.

Cinnamon or Raisins are commonly added for extra flavour.

Rice Puddings are often eaten as dessert or dinner. They are usually boiled or baked.

Image from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dopiaza/99358245/

There are different varieties as rice puddings are a world wide delicacy. One example is Banana Rice Pudding with Cambodian origins.

The image above depicts another rice pudding creation using orange for extra zest and flavour!

Below is a creative example; the Rice Pudding Cappuccino. It makes a great dessert for dinner guests. 

Image from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/66364458@N03/7003121206/

Did You Know...August 9 is National Rice Pudding Day in the United States?

 Video from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F571IQWI5Do

We hope you enjoy this recipe! ^ :)

Ravioli

Pic from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/timomcd/4546671129/sizes/z/in/photostream/

Name: Ravioli is actually the plural of raviolo: many raviolos make a ravioli.

Ravioli is a type of pasta, which originated in Italy. Its exact origins are unknown, however the first documented mention of its existence is in the 14th century manuscript Libro per cuoco (‘Cook Book’), written by Francesco di Marco, a merchant of Venice. The recipe is quite similar to modern Italian ravioli dishes, and includes green herbs beaten egg simmered in broth (al brodo) and topped with fresh cheese.

Pic from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tussius/361556697/sizes/z/in/photostream/

Ravioli is a filled pasta: a filling is sealed between two layers of pasta, and the pasta either served with an accompanying sauce or in a broth. However, it was not served with tomato-based sauces until the 16th century, when tomatoes were introduced to Italy from the New World. There are a multitude of popular fillings, including:

• Spinach & ricotta
• Pureed vegetables
• Seafood
• Pork
• Chicken
• Various cheeses

Like most pastas, ravioli is now made in factories around the world. It has a shelf-life of roughly 30 days.

Here is a great ravioli recipe for you to try!

Video from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtR3U-N2PWA

Hi!

Howdy.

We are Foods R Us.

We blog about foods that start with 'R' - you'll be surprised just how many there R.

Here is our initial storyboard/layout for the blog: 

(click to enlarge)

We'll be implementing a live twitter feed to keep you updated on all the foods we find. 
You can follow us at twitter.com/FoodsRUs_isys .

We want this blog to be simple, informative and interesting. We'll be creating a minimalist layout with a mainly red aesthetic in order to keep the focus squarely on the food.

We're excited to see that others on the net have already started rattling off lists of foods that  start with 'R', and we can't wait to start adding to the list.

:)

Video from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmvPJ1dhAaY