This post is way overdue. Several months ago I received a cookbook that, at first, I wasn’t very sure I was going to like. I don’t have anything against vegetarians. Actually, once in my life I contemplated becoming one. I was like 12 years old and I had just witnessed the slaughter of a pig. The shock only lasted around two weeks and I was back to eating meat.
I love my meat, even though it is not the most important part of my diet. I stopped eating beef several months ago because of environmental reasons, but I don’t think I will be giving up lamb, pork, turkey and my delicious chicken anytime soon. That’s why the book How to Cook Everything Vegetarian. Simple Meatless Recipes for Great Food by Mark Bittman didn’t get me that excited when I first got it. But that impression changed fast.
The book is thick, almost 1000 pages, and filled with so much useful information that you forget that it is supposed to be a vegetarian cookbook. The book gives you the basics for kitchen equipment, cooking techniques, conversion tables and so much information about ingredients, meals and food safety that it has become a great companion in my kitchen.
The book doesn’t have any pictures (I love pictures) but it doesn’t really need them. When it comes to techniques and the how-to’s the book has very good illustrations to guide you. Remember these collard wraps? I got the idea and the technique out of this book. I’ve read other reviews for this book and they all agree that it is a must in the kichen. Even if you are not vegetarian, like me, it is a great source for ideas, recipes and a great source of information about nutrition and healthy food.
¡Buen provecho!
6 Replies
My favorite cookbook is Bittman’s How to Cook Everything. It is my food bible.
I didn’t look at this one, because I figured there’d be a lot of repetition, but maybe I should. Thanks for the review!
Posted on August 13th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
I’m like you I really like my cookbooks to have pictures though that said many of my favorites, like Joy of Cooking, don’e.
Posted on August 13th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
I’m totally with you on meat. While I can probably never give it up, books like that at least give you alternatives that can help turn down your consumption. I’m a nuts and tofu supporter, so the world doesn’t implode into itself when I am chickenless.
Posted on August 14th, 2008 at 6:37 am
Though not a massive carnivore, I wouldn’t usually go for a veggie book either – so thanks for the heads up!
Posted on August 14th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Thanks for the review! What I like about books like these is the informational aspect. Though I’m not a vegetarian, either, I do read up on it for inspiration to bring new ideas to my cooking. Sometimes I make vegetarian foods for a change of pace, and I like to know about all cuisines.
Posted on August 14th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I love this book too. I bought his others as well and they are great reference books. Another great vegetarian epic tome is Deborah Madison’s Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone. It is rich with techniques and ideas. I am like you – I like my carnivorous habits but like to mix it up with healthy, veggie offerings.
Posted on August 19th, 2008 at 9:09 am
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