Synopsis:
Who knew vegetables could taste so good? Vegan powerhouses Isa Moskowitz and Terry Romero bring a brand new edition of this beloved vegan cookbook to celebrate its 10th anniversary. You’ll find 25 new dishes and updates throughout for more than 250 recipes (everything from basics to desserts), stunning color photos, and tips for making your kitchen a vegan paradise. All the recipes in Veganomicon have been thoroughly kitchen-tested to ensure user-friendliness and amazing results. Veganomicon also includes meals for all occasions and soy-free, gluten-free, and low-fat options, plus quick recipes that make dinner a snap.
Edition:
Hardcover 10th Anniversary Edition (although I previously owned the original, but lost it during The Fire)
My Thoughts:
I don’t use cookbooks a whole lot, although I do own quite a few of them. I just kind of think they’re a pain. My kitchen is tiny, I have no space to have a cookbook out if I want to also have ANY countertop space (I promise you, that is not an exaggeration – I have like 12″ of countertop, total). But with that being said, I do still use this one from time to time. And I have for years. I also have Appetite for Reduction, another of Moskowitz’s books. The Chipotle Lentil Burgers in that one are one of my favorites – the “meat” is insanely versatile and good in absolutely everything I’ve used it in (burritos, breakfast scrambles, on crackers, etc. – I’m pretty sure it’s good for any application).
Maybe I’ll review that one at some point too, if you all are interested. But to get back on track, Veganomicon has a ton of great recipes. I definitely haven’t tried them all, and some of them have eggplant in a starring role, which I will probably politely sit out forever, but…I go to this one a lot. As you may have noticed from my Instagram photo above, I am particularly fond of the tofu-based ricotta. I honestly like it a lot better than I ever liked actual ricotta (not a cheese I ever gave much thought, but still). I’ve used that recipe a buuuuunch over the years. The Everyday Chipotle-Vegetable Tamales were also a big hit in my house. I tried making the Acorn Squash & Black Bean Empanadas, and that was less successful. Everything tasted great, but empanada dough is a fucking nightmare to work with, in my dum-dum opinion.
But the star of this whole 400-something page cookbook my friends, is this: the Pumpkin Baked Ziti with Caramelized Onion & Sage Crumb Topping. Just yesterday I was having a FIT because I couldn’t remember where I got that recipe and it was SO GOOD AND I WANTED IT SO BAD. So I’m really glad I didn’t feel like writing about a regular book or movie (or really anything) and so decided to randomly grab and review this one. I’m gonna make the hell out of that. It really is life-alteringly good. Over the years I have made probably a dozen things from this book, all of which have been delicious. But I haven’t even scratched the surface. As the synopsis mentions, there are over 250 recipes in here. For all occasions.
You’re not going to find a more comprehensive collection of restaurant-worthy vegan recipes out there as far as I know. And the pictures are absolutely gorgeous. There is also a section at the front of the book where the authors break down things like ingredients the reader may be unfamiliar with, the basics of cooking (vegan or non-vegan) certain items, cutting techniques, etc. Basically you’re going to be able to learn all the skills one might need to cook any of the dishes in Veganomicon.
My Rating:
Rating a cookbook feels a little weird, but we’re going with it. I’ve got another one coming up soon, so may as well start figuring this out now. I love this cookbook. Like I said, it’s one I actually use on a semi-regular basis. If you’re interested in going vegan (even on occasion), but are worried about skimping on flavor, look no further for guidance. Veganomicon has got your back.
Also, it’s on if I ever get my hands on the Vegan Black Metal Chef’s The Seitanic Spellbook. If that happens, it’s over. I don’t know what I mean by that, other than that I want it…
Veganomicon By Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero Da Capo Lifelong Books Published: September 26, 2017 ISBN: 9780738218991 Hardcover, E-book Original Edition: Hardcover, E-book, Paperback 432 Pages
I need to drag this one again and start using it. Her vegan cupcake book is another favorite.
*Drag it out, lol. I wouldn’t be me without a missing word or two.
Oh, I’m going to have to go get that one! I like cupcakes!