I was really apprehensive about this cookbook at first. First, it’s all plant-based. While being plant-based doesn’t bother me in the least (it’s actually my preference), people who load up on spices do. Right before we dug into this cookbook, Josh and I were trying plant-based recipes from pretty well-known sources (I won’t name names) and it was “eh”. Those recipes did everything within their power to load up on cumin, turmeric, cayenne, etc. for added flavor.
I’m pleased to say Niomi Smart’s book is nothing like those recipes and we were pleasantly surprised! Even if you’re not plant-based, I highly recommend this cookbook! Here are some things we loved!:
- The recipes are easy to follow. I’m not a stranger to a kitchen, but I think most people could follow this easily. She even gives a super extensive list at the beginning of the cookbook of common ingredients she uses, which makes it easy to keep your home stocked for the recipes. I would say she sticks pretty close to that list and only deters when there’s special add-ons.
- Josh and I already have a few favorites! And these favorites are favorites of the cookbook and our favorite meals in general. We looove the Farmhouse Soup! We also really like the Mexican Chili Bowl. We’re going to be trying the Shepherd’s Pie soon, but if it’s an amazing as everything else, then it’s going to be great!
- On a random note, the clean layout of the book is refreshing!
- Josh is not remotely vegetarian. He loves to keep meat in this diet. However, he told while trying these recipes that he didn’t mind not eating meat if these were the recipes (not to say they taste “meaty”, they’re just that good). Folks, this is a guy who is OBSESSED with bacon and cheese! Loves it!
There was only one recipe that didn’t come out too well, which is the breakfast porridge made of quinoa and pear. It came out bitter and earthy. I’m not sure if it was because my pears weren’t ripe enough or if there was a different way I could’ve cooked the quinoa. Regardless, I’m not sure if I’m a pear person to begin with. I’m a ridiculously picky eater (and a supertaster, it’s a thing, google it) and it really comes down to taste and texture. Quinoa and pear felt like a weird texture…
All-in-all, fantastic cookbook! This is also not the kind of cookbook where you can find the recipes online. These are original. It’s not one of those books where you get cheated because all the recipes have already been posted online and now they’re just in a book (I hate when that happens). I snag my copy used off of Amazon because they haven’t made their way to US bookstores yet! I’ve linked it below!
