Meatless Mondays. I can’t remember the first time I heard that concept, but it never resonated with me. That’s because we eat meatless — and often vegan — several times a week. As we get older, some proteins are harder to digest — specifically animal-based proteins — so plant-based meals have a strong appeal. Also, we just love to mix it up. When I was offered the opportunity to review Vegan Cooking for Two, published last week by America’s Test Kitchen (ATK), I jumped at the chance. First, I trust ATK and know they put a lot of work into recipe testing and quality. Second, I wanted to see how they approached vegan cuisine. Ottolenghi taught me that vegetarian cooking could more flavorful and satisfying than I had dreamed, so I was eager to see how ATK might do the same for vegan. (Spoiler alert: they did!)
The book has the standard structure: chapters on breakfast; soups, stews, and chilis; sandwiches, burgers, and flatbreads; salads; pasta and noodles; grain, bean, and vegetable mains; small plates; and desserts. Everything you would expect in a good cookbook is there. It also has a section on nutritional information (good stuff to know, because “vegan” does not necessarily mean “low-cal”), and a very helpful section on conversions and equivalents. Beyond the recipes, my favorite of all the sections — and perhaps the most helpful to all cooks — is the Veg-inner’s Guide to Cooking for Two. It includes the vegan pantry, and what items might look vegan but aren’t. (Wine? Yep, wine. If you are a serious vegan, be aware that egg whites are sometimes used in the purification process in wine production.) It talks about plant-based substitute meats, and gives tips on how to buy the best quality in this genre. It gives great ideas for smart shopping, how not to waste foods, and how to store ingredients. Finally, this section gives the cook permission — permission to make changes (mix and match, substitutions with what you have on hand), “level up” (how to take their basic recipes and give them culinary upgrades), how to double or bulk up the recipes, and even how to make the baked/roasted recipes using a toaster oven — energy-saving and great for those in small apartments.
In the first two days I had the book in hand, I tested two recipes, and can’t wait to try more. I share the one for Spicy Basil Noodles with Bok Choy. It is a perfect recipe as is. In the book’s spirit of feeling free to make substitutions, we used some of the abundant Italian basil from our garden rather than going out to buy Thai basil. I also used a single red Chimayo chile in place of the 1-3 Thai chiles — again, using what he have in our garden. The dish was incredible. Next time I make it, I’ll use Thai basil and Thai chiles. Another winner was the Crispy Tempeh with Sambal – lip-tingling hot and spicy, and utterly addictive. An exciting and successful first time at using tempeh in our kitchen, and we can’t wait to try other tempeh recipes from this book. I very much look forward to trying my hand at cooking with jackfruit (Citrusy Jackfruit Tacos, Green Jackfruit Chili), which both look amazing and are perfect for us in the Southwest.
I also liked how the authors worked to provide recipes inspired by all variety of cuisines — Asian, Italian, Mexican, French, and classic American fare. There seems to be something for everyone. There certainly is a lot for us — I can’t believe how many sticky notes I used to mark recipes I’m eager to make, a sign of a truly good cookbook. I highly recommend this one!
You know from my other posts that I’m not vegetarian or vegan. But the index to Cocoa & Lavender has a vegetarian and vegan section because I am a firm believer that it is easy to add plant-based meals to your regime, It’s healthier for you, and it’s healthier for the planet. And it can be darned good.
~ David
Vegan Cooking for Two
America’s Test Kitchen
18 October 2022
200+ recipes, full color
384 pages, paperback
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Design by Themeshift.
Chef Mimi
October 22, 2022 at 6:59 amI’m certainly not vegan, but I can certainly do meatless. This recipe looks wonderful, but I’d have to add an avocado! Or tofu. I tried tempeh when my husband was a vegetarian, but I couldn’t eat it. But the book sounds good! I mark recipes just like you do!
Cocoa & Lavender
October 23, 2022 at 8:38 amThe tempeh surprised me, Mimi. Couldn’t do small chunks it was really nice and chewy. I wonder if there are different types of it, and some aren’t as appetizing as others? it’s funny that you should mention avocado as, after we finished, we realize we could’ve added one as well.
Heidi Love
October 22, 2022 at 9:30 amYumm!
Cocoa & Lavender
October 23, 2022 at 8:40 amReally, really yum!
Corbin Smith
October 22, 2022 at 11:05 amGlad to see this, David. Couple of other great vegan cookbook ideas: “Vegan Asian” by Jecca Uy (excellent); “Wicked Healthy” by the Sarno brothers (extensive and more sophisticated ideas); and “Provecho” by Edgar Castrejón (all Mexican). We’re having fun exploring!
Cocoa & Lavender
October 23, 2022 at 8:41 amThanks for the suggestions, Corbin! Asian NV can kind of go hand-in-hand, and I’m looking for some really interesting other dishes… The Sarno Brothers and the Castrejón both sound great!
Sherry M
October 22, 2022 at 2:57 pmlove your photos david. we often eat vegetarian (and probably vegan without thinking about it). Back in the day, hubby and I were vegos, and lived with many vegans too over the years. I mean separately and together, before and after we met :=) Crumbs I’m confusing myself. Anyway – love a good meatless meal.
Cocoa & Lavender
October 23, 2022 at 8:42 amOh my, Sherry, you crack me up! I was laughing so hard by the end of your comment… I had no idea you had spent time as a vegan… I had a long-standing vegetarianism, but I could never give up cheese!
Jeff the Chef
October 23, 2022 at 9:06 amThanks for this cookbook recommendation. I like ATK, too, and I also don’t feel like I need to eat meat every day of the week.
Cocoa & Lavender
October 23, 2022 at 11:17 amThanks, Jeff — I do love all foods as long as they are satisfying and flavorful!
Ronit Penso Tasty Eatsr
October 23, 2022 at 10:27 amVegan cooking can actually be quite easy and tasty, and I have no problem with having once in a while. However, too many times it lacks substance and is hard to balance nutritionally.
This colorful noodle dish looks fine, but maybe a bit too one dimensional. I think I’d still add a few flavor kicks to it… 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
October 23, 2022 at 11:20 amI actually found it really quite an interesting combination of flavors and textures — but everyone has their own needs for flavor. More and more, I’m enjoying simpler combinations which allow key flavors to shine — for me, in this recipe, the basil was really key.
Colette
October 23, 2022 at 4:57 pmGorgeous, absolutely stunning! Especially, the first pic with the shadow making your white tablecloth look grey.
xoxo
Ronit
October 23, 2022 at 7:15 pmThat’s good to know! 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
October 26, 2022 at 10:04 amWe just made it again last night – just loved it. I thought about Mimi’s idea to add tofu or something but, if anything, I would add some pork (which defeats it being vegan, doesn’t it? :).)
Cocoa & Lavender
October 26, 2022 at 10:02 amThanks, my dear – I usually don’t let the streaks of sunlight show – but, in this case, it was really quite magical.
Ron
October 24, 2022 at 4:27 amAn excellent review David. We eat vego (vegetarian) a couple of times a week, so we’re always looking for new ideas. What a great recipe to prepare for showcasing the ATK cookbook.
Cocoa & Lavender
October 26, 2022 at 10:05 amThanks, Ron – we have now made a few others (and a repeat of this one) and like them all. Good thing? I didn’t feel unsatisfied or hungry after – very filling!
Sippitysup
October 24, 2022 at 5:40 pmThe twofer concept is a good one. GREG
Cocoa & Lavender
October 26, 2022 at 10:05 amYes, it is! Thanks, Greg!
Valentina
October 26, 2022 at 11:31 amWhat a great book! From the sound of it, there are a lot of recipes that would appeal to me. This one looks fantastic — I’m always a sucker for flat rice noodle dishes. Even when they’re on the lighter side, they’re a good comfort food. 🙂 ~Valentina
Cocoa & Lavender
October 31, 2022 at 2:07 pmRice noodles are such a great option for people who have gluten intolerance. I love having them on hand, and there’s so many things you can do with them! We had another recipe today for lunch, and it was a winner. Not a clicker yet!
2pots2cook
October 27, 2022 at 4:08 amAnything vegetables works fine for us. Thank you for wonderful book presentation. It seems like one of those “must have”!
Cocoa & Lavender
October 31, 2022 at 2:08 pmI wonder if it’s available in an e-book version for those of you in Europe. I will see if I can find out.
Raymund
November 1, 2022 at 6:27 pmI know even without meat I am sure this is full of robust flavours
Cocoa & Lavender
November 2, 2022 at 7:28 amThe strength of the flavors really was perfect.
Marcelle
November 14, 2022 at 3:47 pmThis looks like a great book, David! I’ve alway liked mixing in some meatless meals into our rotation and like you, the older I get I can tolerate meat so much less. It’s just so heavy at times. I think this book would appeal to me too because it includes recipes from several cuisines. I would love to try more French and Italian-inspired dishes! Wonderful review, thank you 🙂
Cocoa & Lavender
November 19, 2022 at 10:31 amI think you would enjoy this, Marcelle – lots of fun recipes!