Solo: The Joy Of Cooking For One

by Signe Johansen

'At last, a book of lovely recipes by someone who knows that cooking isn’t always for sharing. It’s just as important to eat well on your own.' - Diana Henry Many of us cook for one on a regular basis – isn't it time we became more selfish in the kitchen? Celebrating the joy of self-reliance and self-sufficiency, Signe Johansen, author of How to Hygge, shares eighty fabulous recipes for happy solo cooking. Beautifully photographed and designed, the cookbook includes a range of tasty and uncomplicated no-cook fast food and one-pot dishes to transform your daily routine. Signe shows how to make big batch recipes that you can reinvent and enjoy throughout the week. There's also a chapter with more adventurous recipes for when time is on your side. Packed with advice for keeping a streamlined larder and tips for late-night fridge foraging, The Joy of Cooking for One will inspire you to cook delicious food, every day.

Genres: Cooking, Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Food

208 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

Reviews

[Nori Fitchett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This cookbook is very aesthetically pleasing with beautiful food photographs and format.
Unfortunately for me this book wasn’t real helpful, it doesn’t seem to beginner or budget friendly as all the recipes are solo versions of very fancy dishes with expensive and uncommon ingredients.
Also a lot of seafood dishes which are really not for me.
If you’re a competent cook with adventurous tastes and a deep wallet this book would be good for you but I’m not that.

[Liz Jolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs better Navigation

The content is good , both as recipes to follow, and as prompts for your own ideas, but a recipe book REALLY needs a clickable table of contents, and a way to get back to that TOC. There are links to the recipes in the index at the end, but no way to easily find the recommended pantry list for example.

[Victoria Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who loves cooking and lives solo, Solo by Signe Johansen is a total game-changer. This cookbook stands out for its ability to simplify dishes without sacrificing flavor, elegance, or quality. Unlike many solo-focused cookbooks that seem tailored for beginners or those on a strict budget, Johansen assumes her readers love great food and are willing to invest effort in creating it.

Her recipes are inspired by classic dishes yet feel approachable and inviting, perfect for anyone who values thoughtful, delicious meals even when cooking for one. It’s refreshing to see a book that doesn’t rely on endless variations of five-ingredient meals or canned tuna staples. Instead, it delivers sophisticated recipes that elevate the solo cooking experience.

This is hands down my favorite cookbook for solo living, and after borrowing it from the library, I’m thrilled to be investing in my own copy. Highly recommended to anyone who loves food and wants to treat themselves to the joys of quality cooking—whether for a quiet night in or a special occasion just for you.

[Naz Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm writing this review because some of the others don't do this book justice.

Yes, the recipes aren't the cheapest and yes, the nutritional info isn't given. But the book has 'The Joy of Cooking' in the title. And joy is exactly what it ignites in me.

The recipes in this book are some of the tastiest on my (virtual) bookshelf. The daal is better than any I've ever tasted - better than even my mother's - and I come from a South Asian family. Being a keen baker I was sceptical of the baking recipes but the ones I've tried have been excellent - the tiffin being my favourite.

The recipes induce a sense of calm and warmth. Spending a weekend morning by myself feels so much better when I'm enjoying the process of cooking something tasty. When I'm putting me first.

If you want to enjoy the process cooking mouth-watering recipes by yourself, I highly recommend this book.

[Sara Goldenberg · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book gets a big NO from me. First of all, one recipe is for an entire chicken. What single person eats that? If I want a chicken recipe, I can look elsewhere for that.

Secondly - she has all kinds of breads and desserts. But not for one - so who needs that?

Lastly - it's got a lot of egg, fish and chickpea dishes which are not my taste, but that doesn't count against her. It'd be a fine cookbook for someone else - just marketed differently, as it's not really cooking for just one person.

[Lesley Cheung · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic, simple-

In my journey to replicate the experience I had at Gaddi's, I searched through dozens of cookbooks and finally settled on this one - I didn't regret it. After finishing the book (not all the recipes though, mind you), I found that the author has actual restaurant experience (which was a plus). Highly recommend. Can adjust recipe to fit your own family pantry!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. I’m generally cooking for two in my house, but not always. This took definitely had some interesting recipes, good information, and a generally fun approach to cooking for small numbers.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over easy egg over sourdough bread with spinach

Spaghetti with anything

Roast cauliflower with anything

Potato pancakes

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book that was interesting to read. I also found recipes I wanted to make!

[Jessica A · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is very beautiful and the food photographed wonderfully. However I found this had many ingredients that are not common, I did not end up making any from this book.

[Edgher Verdugo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hard to find ingredients with complicated dishes.

It’s only in metric.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐️

[maureen cheng · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for ideas and portioning when cooking for one. Love the author's alternative ingredients corner on every page of the recipe.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, if you are thinking this is for just one person, just double to recipe? How hard is that?
Anyways, this drool-worthy book by Signe is great! I've tagged several recipes to make!