My family is far from vegetarian but we do try to eat several meals that are meatless a week for health and financial reasons. Because of this, I am always looking for vegetarian cookbooks that feature traditional meals that my family will love to eat. We don't tend to do a lot of soy based alternatives so I like vegetarian cookbooks that don't rely overly on soy to replace meat.
Rose Elliot's New Complete Vegetarian is a cookbook that offers exactly the types of meals I'm looking for. There are over 1,000 vegetarian recipes included that are simple and healthy. This cookbook is based on the original classic UK cookbook published 25 years ago.
This is truly an all purpose cookbook. Many vegetarian cookbooks that I've seen have a lot of ingredients that non-vegetarians don't tend to have in their kitchens - at least I don't. I love trying new recipes but when I look at a recipe and it's made up almost entirely of things I've never eaten or in some cases heard of, it's a bit daunting.
Rose Elliot's New Complete Vegetarian is broken down by type of recipe. Chapters include Soups; First courses, snacks and drinks; Sauces and salad dressings; Side dishes; Vegetables and nuts; Beans; Pasta; Grains and rice; Tarts and pies; Cheese and eggs; Desserts; Baking; and Breads, cakes and doughs.
This is really a huge cookbook and with over 1,000 recipes, the recipes are written more than one to a page in a three column format. Each recipe includes an ingredients list and an instruction list. When applicable, there are variations to the original recipe listed as well. Because this is a cookbook that originated in the UK, measurements are written in both grams and ounces and not in the typical cup and half cup format.
I really love the selection of recipes included. There are family favorites like garlic bread, sweetcorn pudding, and cheese and onion pie. You will also find some tempting new recipes like lentil dal with coconut cream and fennel with orange and olive stuffing. Recipes that are vegan or can be easily frozen are notated for quick reference.
Whether or not you're a vegetarian, this is definitely a great cookbook to have on hand. I found tons of recipes in here that my family will enjoy and that will help stretch the grocery budget just a little bit further while still allowing us to eat healthy.
We made the Quick Souffle Omelete and it was delicious!
Article comments
1 - Louise Longworth
I've had my eye on this cookbook so was glad to find your review. We tend to eat only vegetarian at home, but many veggie recipe books are full of ingredients that my kids wouldn't touch with a barge pole, so this one sounds like it might be just what we need. Thanks!
2 - Ellen Christian
Glad to help!