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Frugal Vegan: Affordable, Easy & Delicious Vegan Cooking
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Following a Vegan Diet Has Never Been Easier, Cheaper or More Delicious
Live a healthy vegan lifestyle without breaking the bank with these 99 affordable and delicious plant-based recipes. Frugal Vegan teaches you how to avoid pricey perishables and special ingredients, and still enjoy nutritious, exciting food at every meal. Learn the tips and tricks to creating plant-based cuisine on a budget and fill yourself up with a delicious feast.
Katie Koteen and Kate Kasbee are your guides to changing up your vegan cooking routine using less expensive ingredients. There’s a meal idea for every time of day, whether it’s a hearty breakfast of Pineapple Scones or Biscuits and Gravy; a Backyard BBQ Bowl or Crunchy Thai Salad for lunch; or Beer Battered Avocado and Black Bean Tacos, Mushroom Stroganoff or Chickpea Curry for dinner. Host movie night with a delicious snack like Salted Peanut Butter Popcorn, or indulge in Chocolate Coconut Cream Puffs for dessert.
With practical tips and approachable recipes, Frugal Vegan will help you create stunning plant-based meals that’ll not only save you money, but save you time in the kitchen, too.
Following a Vegan Diet Has Never Been Easier, Cheaper or More Delicious
Live a healthy vegan lifestyle without breaking the bank with these 99 affordable and delicious plant-based recipes. Frugal Vegan teaches you how to avoid pricey perishables and special ingredients, and still enjoy nutritious, exciting food at every meal. Learn the tips and tricks to creating plant-based cuisine on a budget and fill yourself up with a delicious feast.
Katie Koteen and Kate Kasbee are your guides to changing up your vegan cooking routine using less expensive ingredients. There’s a meal idea for every time of day, whether it’s a hearty breakfast of Pineapple Scones or Biscuits and Gravy; a Backyard BBQ Bowl or Crunchy Thai Salad for lunch; or Beer Battered Avocado and Black Bean Tacos, Mushroom Stroganoff or Chickpea Curry for dinner. Host movie night with a delicious snack like Salted Peanut Butter Popcorn, or indulge in Chocolate Coconut Cream Puffs for dessert.
With practical tips and approachable recipes, Frugal Vegan will help you create stunning plant-based meals that’ll not only save you money, but save you time in the kitchen, too.
208 pages, Paperback
Published June 20, 2017
121 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 9, 2019
A generous three stars...super super simple recipes to the point of being plain and mostly unappetizing. This is for a really lazy cook or someone who really doesn’t know how to cook I think, but I found a few recipes I think I’ll be able to spruce up a bit.
January 8, 2023
Peanut butter oat bars 1/7/23 yum!
November 4, 2017
I'll be honesty, I have no intention of going vegan, but my best friend is and I wanted to gift her with a cookbook that was actually good. Since this one was highly rated, I decided to try out a few recipes before giving her the book and I was pleasantly surprised.
Firstly, I'll say, none of the recipes make me want to switch to vegan, with quite a bit suggesting either vegan equivalents of non-vegan items to improve a dish like vegan bacon, sour cream, cheese, etc but I can see the appeal for actual vegans, especially when there are some recipes in the back to make some vegan staples which seem time consuming, but cheaper than buying the store made ones. Also I wish there were more pictures, because some of the recipes sounded not appealing, but I'm sure it's just because I was just picturing the ingredients individually in my mind and not them all pulled together.
Originally I was going to give this a 3 star rating, since I was able to pull 4 recipes that were both cheap and seemed like they would turn out well for a meat eater like myself. I liked the book because they have a whole section on how to make being vegan frugal, which I know is not an easy task. They even have a chart in the back that lets you know what cheaper item you can make substitutions for and when not to.
What bumped up the rating for me is actually making the items. I made the Walnut-Brownie Cookies and was blown away with how good the batter was. The final cookies turned out decently, but the texture wasn't quite as favorable as when they were hot - so just eat the batter or right out of the oven and you are good to go. Also the chili was very good as well, but it's hard to mess up chili.
TL, DR
Good vegan cookbook, desserts are what sold this meat eater on the cookbook.
Firstly, I'll say, none of the recipes make me want to switch to vegan, with quite a bit suggesting either vegan equivalents of non-vegan items to improve a dish like vegan bacon, sour cream, cheese, etc but I can see the appeal for actual vegans, especially when there are some recipes in the back to make some vegan staples which seem time consuming, but cheaper than buying the store made ones. Also I wish there were more pictures, because some of the recipes sounded not appealing, but I'm sure it's just because I was just picturing the ingredients individually in my mind and not them all pulled together.
Originally I was going to give this a 3 star rating, since I was able to pull 4 recipes that were both cheap and seemed like they would turn out well for a meat eater like myself. I liked the book because they have a whole section on how to make being vegan frugal, which I know is not an easy task. They even have a chart in the back that lets you know what cheaper item you can make substitutions for and when not to.
What bumped up the rating for me is actually making the items. I made the Walnut-Brownie Cookies and was blown away with how good the batter was. The final cookies turned out decently, but the texture wasn't quite as favorable as when they were hot - so just eat the batter or right out of the oven and you are good to go. Also the chili was very good as well, but it's hard to mess up chili.
TL, DR
Good vegan cookbook, desserts are what sold this meat eater on the cookbook.
December 27, 2018
So many recipes I can’t wait to try! Finally a cookbook that is vegan but still at my (very low) cooking level.
June 30, 2021
I borrowed this book from the library to try out some recipes and see if I would like to purchase a copy to have at home. Many vegan cookbooks do require specialized ingredients that can be pricey at times, so I was enticed by the “frugal” aspect advertised in the title. The recipes are simple with short ingredient lists and seem affordable. However, there were some concerning phrases in the book.
In the recipe for Thai Peanut Noodles on p 49, the authors write, “In Thailand, the only plant-based options available aside from veggies are noodles, noodles, and more noodles. Oh, and maybe some rice” (are there no vegans in Thailand? Why do they speak for an entire culture and cuisine?… they also have a recipe for a Thai salad on p 77).
Egregiously, they also write the following for the Orange Glazed Tofu recipe, p 137: “Nearly everyone can remember getting Chinese food and ordering orange chicken. It’s fluorescent, unnatural, gooey appearance almost made it look extraterrestrial, didn’t it? The recipe below calls on some of the same flavors from your favorite Chinese dish, but you won’t need sunglasses to eat it. Not to mention, this version is totally plant-based and free of yucky additives!”
No matter what the authors intended, these sentences come off as anti-Asian and sinophobic. For that reason, I do not feel comfortable supporting or purchasing this book.
In the recipe for Thai Peanut Noodles on p 49, the authors write, “In Thailand, the only plant-based options available aside from veggies are noodles, noodles, and more noodles. Oh, and maybe some rice” (are there no vegans in Thailand? Why do they speak for an entire culture and cuisine?… they also have a recipe for a Thai salad on p 77).
Egregiously, they also write the following for the Orange Glazed Tofu recipe, p 137: “Nearly everyone can remember getting Chinese food and ordering orange chicken. It’s fluorescent, unnatural, gooey appearance almost made it look extraterrestrial, didn’t it? The recipe below calls on some of the same flavors from your favorite Chinese dish, but you won’t need sunglasses to eat it. Not to mention, this version is totally plant-based and free of yucky additives!”
No matter what the authors intended, these sentences come off as anti-Asian and sinophobic. For that reason, I do not feel comfortable supporting or purchasing this book.
April 26, 2021
This is the blandest cookbook I've ever read. The pictures are really pretty, but vegetables are really pretty with nothing on them. A sweet potato "steak" is just a half of a sweet potato. And unlike the authors commentary on this, it will not satisfy all my cravings for something smoky. First of all, who has those cravings? And is that satisfied with a slab of sweet potato?
A few pages later there is a recipe for cauliflower steaks with sautéed greens. I've never been drawn to a slab of cauliflower whether you call it a steak or not. And some sautéed greens? Meh.
I got this from the library and on one of the recipes for pasta there was a post-it note that said "Too bland. Here's what I added." And it had a list of tasty spices that probably upped that recipe. I'd like to get in touch with the last person who read this book and exchange recipe ideas with them.
This book was a yawn for me.
A few pages later there is a recipe for cauliflower steaks with sautéed greens. I've never been drawn to a slab of cauliflower whether you call it a steak or not. And some sautéed greens? Meh.
I got this from the library and on one of the recipes for pasta there was a post-it note that said "Too bland. Here's what I added." And it had a list of tasty spices that probably upped that recipe. I'd like to get in touch with the last person who read this book and exchange recipe ideas with them.
This book was a yawn for me.
September 19, 2018
Food far too simple for me. Gave it away. Good for cottages or students.
March 16, 2022
There are some tasty salads in this book. I borrowed from the library and copied the recipes I'll use. Good book but wouldn't add to my collection.
August 18, 2017
Great vegan cookbook! Recipes are easy to follow and list of ingredients won't break your bank.
I like how vegan dishes are showed as uncomplicated and delicious meals - plenty of vegetables, fruit, as well as grains, egg-less pasta etc. most of which we all have in the house already or are within easy reach of. The book is also full of handy tips and advice - smart food swaps, cheaper alternatives, something we can all (no matter our diet) benefit from. Also, who knew that batch cooking, or even freezing, is so easy with fully vegan dishes.
I really liked this book, not only for its recipes, but also because it's written in a language that's not patronizing to non-vegans (something I come across in various vegan publication too many times...). This book definitely wants to encourage non-vegans to try plant-based diet, to explore meat-free cooking and give up those various animal products, even if it will be only few times a week. There's no "preaching" and no taking a higher ground over those, like me, who are still choosing to eat meat and animal products.
I like how vegan dishes are showed as uncomplicated and delicious meals - plenty of vegetables, fruit, as well as grains, egg-less pasta etc. most of which we all have in the house already or are within easy reach of. The book is also full of handy tips and advice - smart food swaps, cheaper alternatives, something we can all (no matter our diet) benefit from. Also, who knew that batch cooking, or even freezing, is so easy with fully vegan dishes.
I really liked this book, not only for its recipes, but also because it's written in a language that's not patronizing to non-vegans (something I come across in various vegan publication too many times...). This book definitely wants to encourage non-vegans to try plant-based diet, to explore meat-free cooking and give up those various animal products, even if it will be only few times a week. There's no "preaching" and no taking a higher ground over those, like me, who are still choosing to eat meat and animal products.
February 19, 2019
Not overwhelming for a beginner
I’m a newbie and venturing into the vegan lifestyle for a myriad of reasons. I found this cookbook to be relatively simple. All of these meals are budget friendly. So far I have only made a couple recipes but I look forward to trying them all. The author is also really good at explaining everything from how to shop and stock up to substitute lists for ingredients that may not be so affordable to something more affordable. I’m really enjoying this cookbook and would recommend for beginners or anyone looking for more affordable and simplified recipes.
I’m a newbie and venturing into the vegan lifestyle for a myriad of reasons. I found this cookbook to be relatively simple. All of these meals are budget friendly. So far I have only made a couple recipes but I look forward to trying them all. The author is also really good at explaining everything from how to shop and stock up to substitute lists for ingredients that may not be so affordable to something more affordable. I’m really enjoying this cookbook and would recommend for beginners or anyone looking for more affordable and simplified recipes.
February 9, 2018
One of the best vegan cookbooks I've picked up. It's so refreshing to have a book full of filling vegan recipes in which most aren't trying to be something they are not. I can't stand all the vegan cookbooks suggesting every recipe that I make walnut ground beef, or cashew cream, tofu eggs, or some variation of a vegan food trying to be a nonvegan food that will end up costing a fortune. very impressed with this book for the most part.
December 1, 2019
I love this cookbook! Recipes are affordable and easy to make! After working all day I don’t always want to spend forever cooking so having this book is great! Some recipes didn’t turn out too great but I feel like every cookbook has some recipes that are hit or miss. Mostly everything I’ve made have become some of my favorite go to recipes.
January 25, 2018
this is one of those most deadly cookbooks, where everything looks so good and you get hungry every time you look through it, and you can't decide where to start! and to top it off, it really does deliver cheap workarounds.
April 16, 2019
Oh my god, oh my god, oh my GOD! The overwhelming majority of these delicious looking recipes are nut free!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm excited because I thought vegan cooking was mostly out for me as I am allergic to nuts. The recipes look delicious, and affordable, and (mostly) nut free. Woo hoo!
October 29, 2019
Good cookbook. Working my way through recipes that caught my eye. Spicy broccoli and white bean pasta last night. Chickpea curry tonight. I’ve loved all the dishes I’ve tried so far. However, the cooking times seem to be way off.
July 29, 2017
I like that the recipes in this book are fairly simple and include mostly easy to find, inexpensive ingredients.
December 28, 2017
Yummy, simple and easy to follow recipes. Great tips on eliminating food waste and saving $$$ and time.
January 16, 2018
Frugal and vegan are two of my favorite words but the recipes in this book just don't taste good. Although they sound good, they've all been bland and generally boring to ear.
January 24, 2018
3 1/2 stars.
March 7, 2018
A Vegan cookbook that does not have too many ingredients per recipe. Affordable!
June 9, 2018
Great recipes, tasty for vegans and non vegans alike. I borrowed from the library, made enough recipes that I enjoyed to purchase the book.
July 1, 2018
This is a book to buy and I’m not a vegan. I think that speaks highly enough. ☺️
July 20, 2018
Although I’m not a vegan this has a fantastic selection of recipes.
July 24, 2018
*3.5 stars*
Easy recipes with bright, colorful photographs. For the most part it's your typical vegan fare, but there were a few recipes that I'm eager to try.
Easy recipes with bright, colorful photographs. For the most part it's your typical vegan fare, but there were a few recipes that I'm eager to try.
July 15, 2019
Good advice for someone who is totally clueless. No "wow" recipes.
September 15, 2019
The book featured appealing and easy recipes. That being said, the layout was confusing. The recipe introductions were in a small font which was distracting. Good content just organized poorly.
December 11, 2019
Great recipes, easy to follow
January 19, 2020
Gorgeous photography of meals that are practical with readily available ingredients and tasty - a favorite so far is the lemon risotto with peas.
August 3, 2020
I would use this cookbook as a jumping point for other ideas. A lot of the recipes are overly simple but that might be great if you are new to vegan cooking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews