Plant-Based Magic: 120 Seasonal Recipes for Healing Body and Soul

by Lisanna Wallance

Nourishing plant-based, seasonal recipes that celebrate everyday magic and the healing power of plants


With 120 nourishing seasonal recipes, Plant-Based Magic celebrates the healing power of plant-based whole foods and the joy of eating well. Herbalist and chef Lisanna Wallance shows how easy it is to infuse every day—and every meal—with a little mood and vitality-boosting magic, using the science of herbalism to create "spells" like Radicchio-Beet Immunity Salad and Illumination Pumpkin Soup that fuel body, mind, and spirit. Inside, you’ll



Seasonal Adaptogenic Stuffed Zucchinis, Corn and Squash Pasta for Clarity, Maple- Roasted Roots for Immunity, Soothing Golden Cauliflower
Healthful Strawberry-Lemon Euphoria Squares, Calming Litchi-Cherry Soup, Eve’s Apple Torte, Rosemary-Clementine Cake for Cognition
Potent Anti-Allergy Vinegar Tincture, Rose Bliss Latte, Radiance Flower Vinaigrette, Deep Sleep Tranquili-tea

Every body is different, so to help you give yours what it needs, icons indicate recipes that are lowsugar, low-histamine, nut-free, and low-FODMAP. All recipes are vegan and gluten-free.


With creative flavors and a focus on nutrient-dense whole foods, Plant-Based Magic channels the healing power of nature to imbue every meal with a touch of enchantment.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 17, 2026

About the author

Lisanna Wallance grew up in New York, attending Barnard College of Columbia University before moving to Paris. She was born with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that causes dysfunction throughout the body. When her symptoms suddenly worsened, she delved deeper into her passion for cooking as a way to help heal herself. She spent years experimenting with her diet, using food, plant and mushroom medicine as a way to regain control over her life.

Her first cookbook, The Natural Witch's Cookbook, has also been published in French (Editions Solar) and German (Riva Publishing). Her book is the culmination of the medicinal knowledge she acquired during her health journey and a sublimation of her suffering to help others.

Lisanna lives in Paris with her long-time boyfriend and splits the rest of her time between Normandy, New York, and Martha's Vineyard.

Reviews

[Anna Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun cookbook, and by fun I don’t mean unserious but I do mean joyful. The author chooses the framework of magic to reimagine caring for oneself as a hopeful and playful process. This is especially important because this book works hard to meet the needs of people with multiple dietary restrictions and/or chronic illnesses. If you need gluten-free, low-sugar, nut-free, histamine intolerant, and/or low FODMAP recipes that are also plant-based, this book has ways to meet your needs. That's hard to find but Wallance does it so gracefully!

I only have one bone to pick with the whole thing: Many of the recipes come with a tip along the lines of: “You can just blend all of this into a soup if you have leftovers!” Similarly, almost every recipe comes with the reminder that you can eat it with “protein-rich grains.” I’m sure that’s true, it just loses its luster after multiple repetitions. But, hey! Most people aren't going to read this cover-to-cover like I did.

I also want to give a heads-up to those who are skeptical or have their pseudoscience sensors tingling: This book is NOT anti-science in the slightest! The author does not see magic as an alternative to science. Instead, she seems to see science as a really well-funded, well-understood form of magic. She recommends talking to your doctor, and not in a way that feels like a liability-reducing hand wave. Each recipe comes with information about the role of different micronutrients contained in the recipe. If you're into the science, this could be a good place to start thinking about what's going on on a molecular level. If you’re in that camp, you might also want to support your reading of this book with more research on the specifics — this is a cookbook, so don’t expect everything to come with the citations of a medical journal.

Overall, a scrumptious and accessible cookbook! Get this for the vegan witches in your life. I really like that it's organized seasonally with an abundant supply of gorgeous photos and whimsical graphic design. If I had to make a single recipe, it would 100% be the strawberry lemon bars, but I'm impressed by a lot of the options; I've never before seen a vegan clafoutis recipe and I've never had a cupcake with marzipan filling!

P.S. Thanks for the ARC! #NetGalley

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

Those looking for more imaginative vegan food (rather than comfort food staples turned vegan) should enjoy this book of fancy meals. The recipes are beautifully photographed and presented and for the most part aren't difficult to make or source ingredients. There is a definite focus on health and I appreciated that the author created recipes for those with gastric allergies/intolerances/diseases, etc. in mind.

The book is broken down by Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter recipes and then subcategorized by mains/sides, desserts, potions Each recipe has a title, a health benefit (e.g., energy or protection), sensitivities (e.g., gluten free, sugar free, nut free) and then a description (which includes tips to add protein etc.). Serving size and ingredients are on the left. Numbered short paragraph steps on the right. Below each recipe is a callout box listing the health benefits of the ingredients or their components.

There is a wide variety of recipes and most are photographed. Examples include: Lilac panna cotta (for passion), anti allergy vinegar (for immunity), peach and flower salad (for sun protection), comforting potato and corn soup (for digestion), greens with coconut cream (for euphoria), spiced sweet potato hibiscus pie (for immunity), creamy baked portobellos (for mood balance), antiviral syrup (for immunity), tranquil tea (for deep sleep) and many more.

The theme of the book is that the author suffered from several debilitating conditions that she was able to ameliorate with the 'magic' of plant based eating. It's not meant seriously but rather as a fun way to approach eating and addressing health issues. The recipes themselves are definitely different than you usually come by in vegan books and there is a large variety.

In all, a fun and playful book, beautifully presented. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Barbara Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisanna Wallance's lovely new book, "Plant-Based Magic" guides readers to live in synchronicity with nature and use the ingredients nature offers to gain and maintain good health. Wallance's writing is inviting and relatable. She mixes magic and medicine, and with a degree in clinical herbalism, she's qualified to do so but suggests referring to medical professional to resolve specific problems.

For readers who are new to herbalist preparations, the opening chapters give the background of green witchery that includes a glossary of pantry staples, the basics of herbalism, and instructions for preparing infusions, decoctions, tinctures, and powders. Wallance explains the benefits and healing properties of vitamins and micro- and macro-minerals and indicates the foods they’re found in.

The inventive, sumptuous, satisfying recipes make "Plant-Based Magic" a wonderful addition to any cook's collection. Tantalizing photos made me want to try every dish. The recipes are divided by season, and within the season by mains and sides, desserts, and potions. Each recipe is defined by the general benefit it offers such as energy, fertility, digestion, detox, vision, euphoria, and lucid dreams to name a few and includes a brief sidebar that details the vitamins, minerals, and compounds the ingredients contain. Unlike some vegan cookbooks that I find intimidating or that require hard-to-find ingredients, Wallance's recipes use ingredients that are easily found. Most dishes call for fewer than ten ingredients and are both quick and easy to prepare.

Thanks to NetGalley and The Experiment for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Karalee Shotola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plant-Based Magic includes 120 recipes for mains, sides, desserts, and potions (drinks and vinegars) for spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The cookbook begins with a list of pantry staples and tips, which is useful for those new to a plant-based diet. There is also an introduction to herbalism. Next are the recipes. Each recipe includes a short introduction, an ingredient list, numbered directions, and dietary and allergen information, such as whether the recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, or has no added sugar. Also, each recipe includes the main benefit, such as for energy, strength, digestion, and metabolism. However, I found myself wanting to try the recipes based on what looked good instead of the main benefit. Furthermore, when I was reading the descriptions to understand how the foods provided the benefit, I found myself confused a few times as the explanation was simply stated as "magic". Also, there are no prep or cook times listed. Therefore, you have to read through the directions to see how much time you have to allot to making the recipe. That said, every recipe includes a full color photo, which is a plus as you can easily see what the final dish looks like and decide if you would like to try it. Overall, the recipes in Plant-Based Magic look delicious, and I do think it is a good plant-based cookbook.

Thank you NetGalley for sending this book for review.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated cookbook filled with seasonal healing recipes. Each one has a gorgeous photo and lists two to four “magical” properties like this ingredient helps balance hormones or this ingredient gives a feeling of fullness. Each recipe has a purpose, like cognition, heart support or immunity. There is no nutritional information.

The recipes are all vegan and gluten free. Keep in mind that they tend to use specialty ingredients that can be expensive and hard to find. I was hoping for recipes that included more foraged and home grown ingredients but you need a lot of things like ashwagandha powder and dried blue lotus flowers. A lot of times some of the specialty ingredients are listed as optional, but they tend to be the ingredients that confer the healing benefits, so the main purpose of the recipe is lost without them. While the focus is on healing with food, you need a fair amount of privilege to be able to make most of the recipes, in terms of time, money and energy. That said, it’s very informative and the recipes look stunning.

I read a temporary online ARC of this book for review.

[Aura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I preordered the hardcover immediately after finishing this. Plant-Based Magic is hands down the most beautiful witchy herbalist cookbook I have ever encountered. Every page feels intentional, grounded, and infused with care for both plants and people. This is not just a collection of recipes. It is a ritual, a guide, and a love letter to plant based cooking through a magical lens.

The photography is stunning and earthy, the recipes feel nourishing and approachable, and the herbal wisdom woven throughout makes this book feel like something you keep on your altar as much as in your kitchen. You can feel the author’s deep respect for plants, seasons, and intuition in every chapter.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lisanna Wallance for the eARC. This is a book I will return to again and again, and I cannot wait to have the hardcover in my hands. Highly recommend to anyone drawn to plant magic, herbalism, and soulful cooking. 🌿✨

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful cookbook! Filled with 120 vegan and gluten-free recipes, this book contains gorgeous images paired with clear instructions to make each dish. I love when a cookbook has an image of the finished dish! It gives me something to work towards, although mine rarely turn out so beautiful.

My favorite part is probably how it is organized. I love how it is broken up by season and then by course with added notes of how each recipe might benefit you (for energy, for glowing skin, for restful sleep, etc.). Additionally, each recipe lists some of the "Magical Benefits" and what vitamins are included to explain the benefits of the dish.

This book is perfect for anyone who wants to incorporate more vegan and gluten-free recipes into their lifestyle!

Thank you to NetGalley & The Experiment for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely ADORED this cookbook! I was drawn in by the title and the idea of plant-based recipes. As someone that’s been trying to eat healthier recently, but also considers herself a foodie, I’m not one for boring recipes. I like a lot of flavor and variety.
There was so much this book delivered on. I loved that it was organized into seasons. I liked that it included not just main and side dishes, and desserts, but also “potions”: drinks for all different kinds of effects such as immunity and inflammation relief, even some for libido! The pictures were beautiful, I love having a visual to base off of when following a recipe. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with how much was included, and I look forward to using it quite often!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Lisanna Wallance for the ARC!

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful book and a cool, unique concept. The recipes themselves remind me of French country cuisine. I appreciated the seasonality of recipes and that they had simple instructions and short lists of ingredients. I also found many of the flavor profiles interesting and new-to-me which is a wonderful and rare experience. Here is an example: honeydew basil salad for hydration (summer section) honeydew, cashew cheese, basil, and a lime-agave-apple cider vinegar dressing.
Unlike the majority of “anti inflammatory” type books around I feel like these recipes actually would help debloat, depuff, and reduce inflammation. Every meal is something you could imagine a celebrity eating at a very expensive LA spa or wellness retreat except it is practical, affordable, and something you could make too. 🥗

Thanks netgalley

[Ro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was skeptical about another "wellness" cookbook until I realized Wallance is a clinical herbalist backing up every recipe with real nutritional science. The 120 seasonal recipes aren't gimmicky—they're thoughtfully designed around what different plants actually do for your body.

What grabbed me was how the book explains the why behind seasonal eating. Not just "eat spring greens" but why specific nutrients in spring vegetables support your body at that time of year. The icons for low-FODMAP, nut-free, and low-histamine options make it practical, especially if you track nutrition like I do.

Already made the Maple-Roasted Roots for immunity and the TranquiliTea actually helps with sleep. The recipes feel doable, not like you need to forage in a forest. A solid addition to anyone's wellness cooking library.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a vegan and a picky eater, this book is to die for.

So, so, so many fun recipes included and laid out in a digestible way. I love how Wallance takes the time to not only explain the contents of her dishes, but the ingredients on the molecular level. As someone with dietary restrictions, I learned so much about which foods could cause inflammation or help with pain. That's what I appreciated the most - I could understand why Wallance selected the ingredients she did.

It's a lovely book, organized by seasons, and I've already picked several recipes to try out.

Thank you to Net Galley, Lisanna Wallance, and The Experiment for sending me an ARC!

[Megan Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very healing sort of a book both spiritual and nourishing. A new meaning to food being magical but also for finding a true place in nature and surrounding yourself in all its beauty and groundings. I found this book a very refreshing read from what I normally read and also incorporates recipes for medicinal purposes and quick easy recipes for busy days or nights. I found this book to be exactly what I was expressing and I wasn't disappointed. I'm really glad I had the chance to check this out for myself and experience the magic from within.

I would love to thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bozhena Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you The Experiment and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this fantastic book! This beautifully illustrated book is broken down by season and then by course and has food remedies for almost everything that ails you. I liked that it provided what each recipe was for as well as that all recipes are vegan and gluten free. I am looking forward to trying the recipes and would be recommending this book to all my friends and family.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really beautiful book, the pictures of the food is amazing. I have a limited diet, and there are lots of cookbooks that do not suit me. But this cookbook had so many recipes that not only fit my diet, but I could see myself trying. I have never made a tincture before, and I am intrigued to try one out. This is a great cookbook for someone that is vegetarian/vegan and gluten free.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book for review.

[Jennie Doss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning from Lisanna’s experiences. I also really liked the few recipes I tried, especially the lemon artichoke pasta and the rosemary clementine cake!

[Thebestdogmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice book, several recipes I know I’ll be making. Beautiful photos.