The Essential Vegetarian Cookbook

The Essential Cookbook

by Wendy Stephen, Murdoch Books

Information about vital nutrients and advice on eating a balanced diet Charts showing the content of different foods, as well as hero foods - rich in some of the essential elements.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Reference, Nonfiction, Vegetarian, German Literature

304 pages, Hardcover

First published May 28, 1996

About the author

'Wendy Stephen' is a cookbook editor. Her books have been published by Thunder Bay Press, Whitecap Books, Bay Books and Murdoch Books.

Reviews

[Julie H. Ernstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may well be my favorite cookbook. I've made many many of the dishes in it, and have never come across a dud. These are savory, tasy recipes for everything from hors d'oeuvres, to soups, to entrees, and deserts. The book is lavishly illustrated, and the recipes are detailed, precise, and contain really good advice on possible adjustments for tastes, oven conditions, etc. There's tons of nutrition and food history information to be had, as well. And you don't need to be a vegetarian to want/need this book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite cookbook of all time. Every recipe I've made has been delicious. Sometimes I find with vegetarian cookbook's they try to be a bit too unique and different and use ingredients that I've never even heard of, and then I have to make a special trip to the supermarket.
This one is not like that. Most of the recipes have all the ingredients that I already have in the fridge or pantry and still taste amazing.
This is my food bible.

[Lucinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect vegetarian cookbook--not too much pasta, lots of interesting bean and other protein recipes. Things to stay away from: the muffins and breads and the second worst cooking disaster in my kitchen: the squash raviolis.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked this book up at the Library's Used Book Store. It was written and first published in Australia. Australian Vegetarians do not rely on tofu and soy products as the US does. Beans, pulses and lentils are the mainstay and this book uses them in many interesting and tasty ways. Great all around book and that will stay in my kitchen.

[Julianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures, terrible recipes. I think this may be a British book because many of the amounts are in grams rather than teaspoons or cups. Now I think I'm convinced the British have no palate. I mean seriously, green beans with a bit of chewed up tomato on top counts as a recipe? No wonder there were so many copies of this at the local used book store. Want something tasty? Chew on the pages - it's better than the ten or so recipes I tried in this book. Sorry used book store - you're getting this copy back! Also, would have given this one star but the pictures are really delightful. Don't be fooled.

[Felix Banuelos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is ok

[Rob McMonigal · Rating 4 out of 5]

We just don't really use cookbooks anymore (sorry, but it's a lot easier to read a recipe from a screen), but this one had some really good ones in it, especially for things like cauliflower.

[Ward Mertens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wie: Könemann, een internationale uitgeverij van geïllustreerde boeken over kunst, architectuur en koken.

Wat: Een basiskookboek voor vegetariërs uit 1997.

Waarom: In 1999 beheerste een voedselschandaal de krantenkoppen in België. De giftige stof dioxine was in de voedselketen terechtgekomen, en dan vooral in vlees en zuivelproducten. Ik was toen zestien en impulsief. 'Ik word vegetariër,' verklaarde ik trots tegen mijn omgeving. Maar vegetarisch koken, hoe begon ik daar in hemelsnaam aan? Ik haastte me naar de boekhandel en kocht Het grote vegetarische kookboek. Dankzij dit boek leerde ik ingrediënten kennen, bereiden en appreciëren waar ik nooit eerder van had gehoord. Ik voelde me waarlijk een vooruitstrevend mijnheertje toen ik kikkererwten, pompoenpitten en bulgur in mijn kookpotten gooide.

Het grote vegetarische kookboek liet me zien dat een maaltijd veel meer kan zijn dan vlees + aardappelen + gekookte groenten (bah bah bah). Daarvoor alleen al veroverde het voor altijd een speciaal plekje in mijn keuken.

Mijn 3 favoriete recepten:
Penne met romige pesto en tomaat
Mexicaanse tomatenschotel
Oosterse paddenstoelenschotel

[Christy Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear recipes with a starred ease of preparation rating and frequent pictures as well as prep vs. cooking time make this a good cookbook for both beginning and more experienced cooks, though it leans toward the more simple and intermediate recipes. Besides the obvious focus on vegetarian fare, there is a small section of beverages and desserts, party food and snacks. The front section is taken up with nutritional information on vegetarian diets with lots of pictures discussing essential nutrients and offering guidelines on food combining. I can easily see myself making several of these recipes as well as just thumbing thru for inspiration. It probably wouldn't be one of my core references, but is a decent general vegetarian cookbook.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this cookbook! I often use it to cook for my non-veg parents, and they've loved everything I've made. It has tons of interesting recipes that go beyond your typical boring pasta, salad, etc. I highly recommend the chickpea and lentil burgers, and the spinach and avocado salad.

I like the paperback version, as it has a plastic cover and thick, glossy paper: very easy to cook with.

[Sara Q]

Great pictures and a good section on nutrition, including a list of "hero foods" that provide of lot of essential vitamins in one fell swoop. Recipes have helpful tips in the sidebars. Includes many tarts and veggie pies. This is one I hope to get my hands on again soon.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

great pictures, wonderful recipes. not filled with unusual ingredients. Lots of great stuff!

[michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

the first vegetarian cookbook i ever bought. i still refer to it from time to time.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of interesting recipes, and beautiful pictures. I'd consider buying this one if it wasn't in the library!

[Doron Yam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book on vegeterian cooking with great tips and information on vegetables, wheat, flour, eggs, cheese, fruits etc

[Wilma B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great recipes, pictures and information.

[Highlyeccentric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked up from the work shelf - I don't think much of the Asian section; the pies and roasts look good, but overall, the collections not ideal for cooking-for-one. It might go BACK to the work shelf.

[Bailey]

Great Recipes!