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The Vegetable Eater: The New Playbook for Cooking Vegetarian
This follow-up from the IACP Award–winning author of The Vegetable Butcher presents simple lessons and 100 recipes that put irresistible, vegetable-forward dishes in every home cook’s everyday rotation.
The Vegetable Butcher is back! With simple lessons and recipes that put irresistible, vegetable-forward dishes in every home cook’s everyday rotation. IACP Award winner and James Beard Award finalist Cara Mangini ( The Vegetable Butcher ) presents a foundational education in vegetable cooking in an eminently approachable framework—through uncomplicated lessons with seasonal riffs (think a Vegetable Grain Bowl, Hearty Entrée Salad, or Frittata, each with variations for spring, summer, and fall). 35 essential dishes. 3 seasonal variations. More than 100 simple, nourishing, vegetable-forward recipes to put on repeat.
The Vegetable Butcher is back! With simple lessons and recipes that put irresistible, vegetable-forward dishes in every home cook’s everyday rotation. IACP Award winner and James Beard Award finalist Cara Mangini ( The Vegetable Butcher ) presents a foundational education in vegetable cooking in an eminently approachable framework—through uncomplicated lessons with seasonal riffs (think a Vegetable Grain Bowl, Hearty Entrée Salad, or Frittata, each with variations for spring, summer, and fall). 35 essential dishes. 3 seasonal variations. More than 100 simple, nourishing, vegetable-forward recipes to put on repeat.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published March 19, 2024
3 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Cara Mangini
2 books32 followersCARA MANGINI, who comes from a family of traditional butchers, was one of the first official “vegetable butchers” at Eataly in New York City. She is now the owner and executive chef of Little Eater, a produce-inspired restaurant, and Little Eater Produce and Provisions, an associated local and artisanal foods boutique, in Columbus, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 9, 2025
A nice collection of well-written vegetarian recipes that would be great for less experienced cooks looking to up their game when it comes to cooking vegetables. Included is a good deal of information about vegetables and basic recipes that are easy to veer from to create your own delicious masterpieces.
Long-time vegetarians aren't likely to find much new inspiration but less experience cooks will learn a lot. While I do enjoy an artfully composed picture of vegetables now and again in a cookbook, I much prefer seeing photos of the finished dishes. With this offering the lack of pics of the finished dishes seemed like a missed opportunity given this book is geared towards less experienced cooks.
Long-time vegetarians aren't likely to find much new inspiration but less experience cooks will learn a lot. While I do enjoy an artfully composed picture of vegetables now and again in a cookbook, I much prefer seeing photos of the finished dishes. With this offering the lack of pics of the finished dishes seemed like a missed opportunity given this book is geared towards less experienced cooks.
July 1, 2024
I LOVE this cookbook. I love incorporating more vegetables into our meals and everything I've tried has been so tasty!
I received a free copy from Workman Publishing in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
I received a free copy from Workman Publishing in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
February 12, 2024
This is a nice mostly-veg cookbook designed to encourage folks to think creatively about eating more vegetables. It's organized into sections that are roughly types of food (grain bowls, pizzas, soups, etc), and then gives a few examples of each. There's nothing particularly mind-blowing in here, but it's nicely organized and photographed, and the recipes are good starting points for choosing your own adventure (or at least assembling a helpful list of grocery staples. A few of the basic recipes, like sauces, might be especially handy for experienced cooks just looking to spice up the routine.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
April 13, 2024
I love to cook but my real passion is baking and everything sweet. (I have a degree in Pastry arts and used to work as a pastry cook in luxury hotels before becoming a librarian.)
When I saw this Vegetable Eater Cookbook, I wasn't sure what to expect and while I love vegetables, I didn't know how I'd like the recipes.
My thoughts on the cookbook as a whole:
Photographs 5⭐- this book is stunning and there are a ton of photographs throughout so you aren't left guessing what you are making.
Recipe layout 4⭐- The recipes are easy to read and they are concise with tips for substitutions which I liked. I took off a star because sometimes a recipe takes up multiple pages and you have to flip back and forth while you cook. Not a huge deal, but kind of cumbersome at times.
Diversity of recipes 5⭐- There is literally something for everyone in this book. Sweets, sauces, salads, main dishes, bowls, etc.
My favorite recipe: Obviously it was the banana crumb cake but I absolutely loved the slaw for the tacos and the peanut noodles were delish too.
Thank you for my gifted copy for the Cookalong and for including me @tandemcollectiveglobal! All opinions are my own. It was kind of a lot to participate in, but I also really enjoyed it. It pushed me outside my comfort zone with the cauliflower tacos, which is always a good thing, and I enjoyed them more than I thought I would.
When I saw this Vegetable Eater Cookbook, I wasn't sure what to expect and while I love vegetables, I didn't know how I'd like the recipes.
My thoughts on the cookbook as a whole:
Photographs 5⭐- this book is stunning and there are a ton of photographs throughout so you aren't left guessing what you are making.
Recipe layout 4⭐- The recipes are easy to read and they are concise with tips for substitutions which I liked. I took off a star because sometimes a recipe takes up multiple pages and you have to flip back and forth while you cook. Not a huge deal, but kind of cumbersome at times.
Diversity of recipes 5⭐- There is literally something for everyone in this book. Sweets, sauces, salads, main dishes, bowls, etc.
My favorite recipe: Obviously it was the banana crumb cake but I absolutely loved the slaw for the tacos and the peanut noodles were delish too.
Thank you for my gifted copy for the Cookalong and for including me @tandemcollectiveglobal! All opinions are my own. It was kind of a lot to participate in, but I also really enjoyed it. It pushed me outside my comfort zone with the cauliflower tacos, which is always a good thing, and I enjoyed them more than I thought I would.
July 1, 2024
A very accessible vegetarian cookbook that will appeal to new and experienced cooks alike.
We love vegetables here in the BFR household, and we cook vegetarian dinners several times a week. We're also usually meat-free during the day. Thus I'm always looking for new recipes to add to our weekly meal plans.
A few years ago, I reviewed and cooked from Mangini's *The Vegetable Butcher* (https://www.bethfishreads.com/2016/07...), so I was excited to take a look at her new book.
I was immediately intrigued by the organization of *The Vegetable Eater*: rather than divided by courses, the cookbook is divided by types of dishes. For example, there's a chapter on bready things (tacos, pizzas, quesadillas), one on baked dishes (casseroles, stratas), and another on stovetop meals (soups, stews). Next, the chapters are broken down into subsections that provide us with an "essential" dish and then seasonal and unique variations so we can make a meal that will suit our own needs.
Let's take a closer look at the main-dish salad chapter as an example. The subsections here are green salads, kale salads, grain salads, and bean salads. Each subsection starts with basic information for creating a successful dish--here in the salad chapter, we learn how to prep ingredients, we learn some general formulas for putting together a good salad, and we get useful and interesting "tips and takeaways." Each subsection contains a handful of recipes (such as Lemony Rainbow Carrot Couscous Salad), to make as is or tweak for your own tastes.
Every recipe throughout *The Vegetable Eater* comes with extra tips. Here you'll find swap ideas, information on specific ingredients, cooking tips, info on reheating, prep tips, and more. Even the most experienced cook will learn something new to elevate their cooking skills and knowledge.
Don't forget to read the "Welcome" chapter, which provides information about ingredients, tools, techniques, and pantry items. I love the charts at the end of the cookbook, especially the mini index of "Sauces, Dips, and Spreads" and a chart that breaks down all the recipes by season.
Here are just a few of the dishes I tried or have marked to try: Easy White Bean Chili with Tomatoes and Sweet Corn, Asparagus-Leek Quesadillas (screams spring!), Mushroom-Collard Strata with Gruyere and Thyme, Cucumber and Pesto Sandwich with Arugula and Avocado, and Summer Vegetable Enchiladas with Ancho Chile Sauce.
Everything I made from *The Vegetable Eater* was a success, and I learned a lot just by reading the tips and tricks. Whether you're a vegetarian or a flexitarian, you'll find quite a few recipes that will call to you. Vegans and gluten-free cooks may want to look through the book before buying, but you, too, will discover new dishes to add to your weekly meal plans.
Thanks to Workman and the Workman Ambassador Program for providing me with a copy of this cookbook.
We love vegetables here in the BFR household, and we cook vegetarian dinners several times a week. We're also usually meat-free during the day. Thus I'm always looking for new recipes to add to our weekly meal plans.
A few years ago, I reviewed and cooked from Mangini's *The Vegetable Butcher* (https://www.bethfishreads.com/2016/07...), so I was excited to take a look at her new book.
I was immediately intrigued by the organization of *The Vegetable Eater*: rather than divided by courses, the cookbook is divided by types of dishes. For example, there's a chapter on bready things (tacos, pizzas, quesadillas), one on baked dishes (casseroles, stratas), and another on stovetop meals (soups, stews). Next, the chapters are broken down into subsections that provide us with an "essential" dish and then seasonal and unique variations so we can make a meal that will suit our own needs.
Let's take a closer look at the main-dish salad chapter as an example. The subsections here are green salads, kale salads, grain salads, and bean salads. Each subsection starts with basic information for creating a successful dish--here in the salad chapter, we learn how to prep ingredients, we learn some general formulas for putting together a good salad, and we get useful and interesting "tips and takeaways." Each subsection contains a handful of recipes (such as Lemony Rainbow Carrot Couscous Salad), to make as is or tweak for your own tastes.
Every recipe throughout *The Vegetable Eater* comes with extra tips. Here you'll find swap ideas, information on specific ingredients, cooking tips, info on reheating, prep tips, and more. Even the most experienced cook will learn something new to elevate their cooking skills and knowledge.
Don't forget to read the "Welcome" chapter, which provides information about ingredients, tools, techniques, and pantry items. I love the charts at the end of the cookbook, especially the mini index of "Sauces, Dips, and Spreads" and a chart that breaks down all the recipes by season.
Here are just a few of the dishes I tried or have marked to try: Easy White Bean Chili with Tomatoes and Sweet Corn, Asparagus-Leek Quesadillas (screams spring!), Mushroom-Collard Strata with Gruyere and Thyme, Cucumber and Pesto Sandwich with Arugula and Avocado, and Summer Vegetable Enchiladas with Ancho Chile Sauce.
Everything I made from *The Vegetable Eater* was a success, and I learned a lot just by reading the tips and tricks. Whether you're a vegetarian or a flexitarian, you'll find quite a few recipes that will call to you. Vegans and gluten-free cooks may want to look through the book before buying, but you, too, will discover new dishes to add to your weekly meal plans.
Thanks to Workman and the Workman Ambassador Program for providing me with a copy of this cookbook.
March 17, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Vegetable Eater is a well written monograph on vegetarian food and lifestyle with recipes developed and curated by Cara Magnini. Due out 19th March 2024 from Hachette on their Workman Publishing imprint, it's 336 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.
This is a beautifully appealing book with well styled tasty food; simple enough for "everyday" but also including recipes which will fit in with entertaining or more formal occasions. They all feature vegetables in a starring role, and really are anything but boring or "samey".
The introduction includes advice on stocking the pantry, staples to keep on hand, choosing seasonal produce, tools/knives/work surfaces, prep/washing and storage. The intro chapter is followed directly by the recipes, arranged thematically: entree salads, soups, sandwiches, grain bowls, steaks fritters meatballs & sheet pan meals, casseroles & savory pies, and sweets.
Recipes include a description/background, ingredients in a bullet list, and step by step cooking instructions. Ingredient measures are provided in imperial (American) units. There's a metric conversion chart included in the appendices. Nutritional info is not provided. Ingredients will mostly be easily sourced at any well stocked grocery store in North America. Some few ingredients might require a visit to an Asian/international grocer.
Companion recipes, such as sauces to pair with the dishes are conveniently located *with* their respective recipes. It's super convenient.
Photography is clear and in color throughout. The food is professionally and appetizingly styled and serving suggestions are appropriate and appealing.
The author/publisher has also included appendices: metric conversion chart, seasonal recipe suggestions, and contents with page numbers for sauces, condiments, dips, and spreads.
Four and a half stars. Well written and super tasty recipes. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, and gift giving purposes.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Vegetable Eater is a well written monograph on vegetarian food and lifestyle with recipes developed and curated by Cara Magnini. Due out 19th March 2024 from Hachette on their Workman Publishing imprint, it's 336 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout.
This is a beautifully appealing book with well styled tasty food; simple enough for "everyday" but also including recipes which will fit in with entertaining or more formal occasions. They all feature vegetables in a starring role, and really are anything but boring or "samey".
The introduction includes advice on stocking the pantry, staples to keep on hand, choosing seasonal produce, tools/knives/work surfaces, prep/washing and storage. The intro chapter is followed directly by the recipes, arranged thematically: entree salads, soups, sandwiches, grain bowls, steaks fritters meatballs & sheet pan meals, casseroles & savory pies, and sweets.
Recipes include a description/background, ingredients in a bullet list, and step by step cooking instructions. Ingredient measures are provided in imperial (American) units. There's a metric conversion chart included in the appendices. Nutritional info is not provided. Ingredients will mostly be easily sourced at any well stocked grocery store in North America. Some few ingredients might require a visit to an Asian/international grocer.
Companion recipes, such as sauces to pair with the dishes are conveniently located *with* their respective recipes. It's super convenient.
Photography is clear and in color throughout. The food is professionally and appetizingly styled and serving suggestions are appropriate and appealing.
The author/publisher has also included appendices: metric conversion chart, seasonal recipe suggestions, and contents with page numbers for sauces, condiments, dips, and spreads.
Four and a half stars. Well written and super tasty recipes. It would be an excellent choice for public or school library acquisition, home use, and gift giving purposes.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 27, 2024
I ended up buying this cookbook at a fun cooking demo with the author organized by my local library. Cara was so friendly, warm, and knowledgeable—a lot like this book! I usually try one or two recipes from a cookbook and move on, but this was the rare book where I’ve tried nearly two dozen and enjoyed them all. We’re not vegetarians, but always looking for ways to eat more veggies. This book really celebrates fresh, seasonal produce and gives plenty of options for substitutions. We love the pastas, noodles, grain bowls—the deconstructed sushi bowl is amazing—and the cornbread is now my go-to. What more can I say? Beautiful photos, fun to flip through yet very practical even for a weeknight.
March 23, 2024
A wonderful collection of creative recipes from sandwiches, sides, dips and dressings to more involved sophisticated entrees and delicious desserts. That’s where I started and there wasn’t a slice left from the strawberry citrus olive oil cake and the blueberry jam crostata I brought to a friends. Absolutely gorgeous photography accompanies the recipes. This will make a terrific item for anyones collection or as a gift for anyone. You don’t have to be a vegetarian to want to eat healthier and beautiful food.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 5, 2024
I did a Tandem Collective cookalong for this book, and it was so much fun. I like veggies but was getting tired of the same old recipes so I thought this was the perfect way to get me out of my comfort zone.
We cooked three recipes, and there was something I loved about each recipe. I learned so much from this cookbook. Throughout the cookbook, Cara Mangini shares tips to swap out ingredients for veggies that are in season or how to prep certain veggies. So those of us who aren't as familiar with preparing vegetarian or vegan dishes were able to learn tricks while also trying out new recipes. So super fun and educational all around! Would have liked an estimate on how long recipes took to prepare though.
We cooked three recipes, and there was something I loved about each recipe. I learned so much from this cookbook. Throughout the cookbook, Cara Mangini shares tips to swap out ingredients for veggies that are in season or how to prep certain veggies. So those of us who aren't as familiar with preparing vegetarian or vegan dishes were able to learn tricks while also trying out new recipes. So super fun and educational all around! Would have liked an estimate on how long recipes took to prepare though.
May 1, 2024
Omg when I tell you even the meat eaters in your life will love these recipes, believe it! This is my new favorite vegetable forward cookbook.
*Amazing recipes. Including some by season so you have the freshest ingredients.
*Easy to understand instructions. (Even how to prep the ingredients)
*Mostly accessible ingredients. I live in the south in a smaller town. Some produce may not be available for me.
*Gorgeous vibrant pictures!
*Amazing recipes. Including some by season so you have the freshest ingredients.
*Easy to understand instructions. (Even how to prep the ingredients)
*Mostly accessible ingredients. I live in the south in a smaller town. Some produce may not be available for me.
*Gorgeous vibrant pictures!
July 1, 2024
If you are trying to incorporate a larger variety of vegetables into your diet, look no further for help! The book includes a collection of healthy-sounding recipes with vegetables as their main star, without going too extreme. You'll find many familiar recipes remade as fresher, healthier and more seasonal versions of themselves (think burgers, pasta, pizza).
I received a free copy from Workman Publishing in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
I received a free copy from Workman Publishing in exchange for a free and unbiased review.
December 7, 2023
There are so many great recipes in The Vegetable Eater. Anyone who is afraid that going veg will be boring needs to get this book. Not only are there great recipes with photos, but it includes other ideas like how to wash vegetables to help them maintain their crunch. I’ll refer to this book again and again as i branch out in the kitchen.
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June 8, 2025Just a note on the photos: agree with another reviewer that quite a lot of photos are a missed opportunity. A full page photo of raw Swiss chard, eggplant, squash, turnips, or shiitake mushrooms is just not useful or interesting. Better to have no photo than to have these. The photos of the actual dishes are good though.
November 6, 2023
This is a comprehensive cookbook for those who really want to next level their vegetarian game. Lots of photos and details, no nutritional information.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.
March 12, 2024
The Vegetable Eater is a beautiful cookbook! The recipes are easy to follow and focus on seasonal selections. This would be a great first cookbook for someone wanting to incorporate more vegetables into their diet. Recommended!
August 20, 2024
I found a lot to love in this vegetarian cookbook. My favorites were the vegetable enchiladas with ancho chili sauce and the sheet pan cauliflower with capers and currents. Her combinations were imaginative and delicious. Next up are the dried cherry and pistachio scones. Help yourself!
August 31, 2024
Great book with easy to understand (and recreate) recipes for seasonal vegetables. With great photos, there are recipes for sandwiches, sides, dressings, desserts and more! Very appealing!
Thank you Netgalley and Workman Publishing Company for the ARC!
Thank you Netgalley and Workman Publishing Company for the ARC!
September 21, 2024
love the spread on 12-13 with visual aid
I wish there were more photos of the prepared food, but the photos that are used are good
great conversion table in the back for dumb Americans
would like to be more of a vegetable eater -- tried a handful of these recipes and all were terrific
I wish there were more photos of the prepared food, but the photos that are used are good
great conversion table in the back for dumb Americans
would like to be more of a vegetable eater -- tried a handful of these recipes and all were terrific
May 15, 2024
Easy to understand recipes that focus on seasonal vegetables. Gorgeous photographs to accompany the recipes. Great book for anyone wanting to incorporate more vegetables in their meal plans.
May 14, 2025
I didn’t attend cookbook club so not sure how things tasted, but pictures looked yum.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews