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18th out of 154 books
—
203 voters
Vegan Soul Kitchen: Fresh, Healthy, and Creative African-American Cuisine
by
Bryant Terry (Goodreads Author)
The mere mention of soul food brings thoughts of greasy fare and clogged arteries. Bryant Terry offers recipes that leave out heavy salt and refined sugar, �bad” fats, and unhealthy cooking techniques, and leave in the down-home flavor. Vegan Soul Kitchen recipes use fresh, whole, high-quality, healthy ingredients and cooking methods with a focus on local, seasonal, sustai...more
Paperback, 223 pages
Published
March 3rd 2009
by Da Capo Press
(first published March 2nd 2009)
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Mar 01, 2010
Ethical Cannibal
rated it
1 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
cooks
Recommended to Ethical by:
library list
I was really excited to get this book from the library. Vegan food is a definite interest of mine, and seeing what someone else worked out to 'veganize' soul food sounded tasty.
The book does have recipes, some of which are good, but it was overshadowed by the story. Every recipe has a recommended song and movie. The author was striving so hard for a level of cool that I just don't have. I'm interested in food. Nothing else, but good food. All the rest of the stories, recommended music, movies,...more
The book does have recipes, some of which are good, but it was overshadowed by the story. Every recipe has a recommended song and movie. The author was striving so hard for a level of cool that I just don't have. I'm interested in food. Nothing else, but good food. All the rest of the stories, recommended music, movies,...more
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VSK isn't just a 'cookbook'. In his preface, Terry lets the reader know that it's about reclaiming the healthy roots of African American soul food. It's reminding brown and black folk, kind of what we already know in terms of 'eating better' and 'eating from the land'; reminding us that this philosophy of healthy good eating isn't "new"; that it existed before the big shift in the USA to highly processed foods that have infiltrated and become an 'every day' staple in many communities of color/lo...more
This is one of those cookbooks where every single recipe makes you drool. The author focuses on using the freshest, in-season ingredients and less on calorie counts and fat content, but being vegan soul food, in general the recipes are super-healthy. Also, as an interesting twist in a cookbook, the author provides you with a song playlist and movie suggestion with almost every recipe to extend your experience of "soul" beyond just the palate.
A selection of recipes:
Citrus Collards with Raisins R...more
A selection of recipes:
Citrus Collards with Raisins R...more
Don't be turned off by vegan cookbooks just because you don't follow a strict vegan diet! If you enjoy cooking with and eating fresh, simple, healthy things, check this book out. I particularly like this one because it emphasizes ingredients that are naturally vegan rather than cram the thing full of pseudo-meats.
I realize not everyone reads cookbooks for fun (as I do), but this one actually has enough supplemental content in it to keep you entertained while you read the actual recipes. In fact...more
I realize not everyone reads cookbooks for fun (as I do), but this one actually has enough supplemental content in it to keep you entertained while you read the actual recipes. In fact...more
2 likes · like · see review
A great addition to your vegan cookbook shelf! Bryant Terry has created mouthwatering recipes that are almost entirely created from whole food ingredients readily available in most grocery stores/farmers markets. I would deduct a star because a portion of the recipes are rather involved both time-wise and pots-and-pans-wise (although the pay-off seems delicious). The sections on beverages and condiments offer a wealth of new recipes that are just right for the blistering summertime heat.
The boo...more
The boo...more
This is a cookbook written by someone who clearly cares about food as a ritual. Recipes are accompanied by suggested music, art, and films. All the food is made from fresh, unprocessed ingredients. You won't find much soy, gluten, sugar, or processed oils in this book so it's suitable for most diets. There are a ton of recipes here and all of them look fairly simple to prepare and sound absolutely delicious. As someone starting out on a more plant based diet this is a cookbook I'll be going back...more
I just pulled this book out again and realized how much I like it. A great resource for vegan cooking and especially healthier soul cooking where every recipe sounds delicious. I have made a couple of drinks from the book in the past--like his Sin-Ger Thirst Quencher (a gingery hibiscus drink. This time I made the Crispy Okra Strips with Lime-Thyme Vinaigrette and served it with the Creamy Celeriac Sauce. Although I will never love okra, the flavors were all delicious.
Here's a link to the Okra...more
Here's a link to the Okra...more
Really like this book. the author put some very nice healthy recipes and paired them with songs, art and history. The idea of approaching a meal as a way to create an entire mood is a great one for a cookbook. His activism is front and center- he has an impressive resume founding and supporting food activism projects.
A worthy book for an individual chef or for any food project that uses seasonal items to educate about healthy alternatives for preparing Southern/African-American cultural recipes....more
A worthy book for an individual chef or for any food project that uses seasonal items to educate about healthy alternatives for preparing Southern/African-American cultural recipes....more
Jul 31, 2011
Chavonne
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Healthy Soul Food Cooks
Shelves:
food
What an interesting concept--one can enjoy soul food without meat! There are such things as greens without ham hocks or turkey legs! My mind is still spinning with the interesting recipes in this book. This book is a collection of vegan recipes of the 'Afro-Diaspora'. I can't wait to try some of these out (I have a vegan soul food dinner in mind already!). I'm not a huge fan of the amount of sugar or white flour that's in his recipes (or liquor, since we're not drinkers), but I can't wait to try...more
This is the first cookbook I read cover-to-cover. I've made several of the recipes already, and to great reviews!
The music (and art and book) suggestions also enhance the fun of making the recipes (and I was secretly gratified that my taste matches Mr. Terry's on a good number of songs).
The book itself is a bit small on the protein section, but it makes up for that with vegetables and inspiration. I'm inspired to make my own vegetable stock, and to figure out of canning is realistic.
This is an e...more
The music (and art and book) suggestions also enhance the fun of making the recipes (and I was secretly gratified that my taste matches Mr. Terry's on a good number of songs).
The book itself is a bit small on the protein section, but it makes up for that with vegetables and inspiration. I'm inspired to make my own vegetable stock, and to figure out of canning is realistic.
This is an e...more
I first learned about this book when an African-American member of my vegetarian group brought the Citrus Collards with Raisins dish to one of our potlucks. I was blown away by the wonderful flavor and had to know the recipe. She directed me to Vegan Soul Kitchen.
Not very many cookbooks are fun to read, but this one is. It's filled with personal stories, informational asides, and even music! It is my hope that, once this book is on the shelves of our library, it will continue to inspire more peo...more
Not very many cookbooks are fun to read, but this one is. It's filled with personal stories, informational asides, and even music! It is my hope that, once this book is on the shelves of our library, it will continue to inspire more peo...more
Jul 21, 2010
Hafidha
added it
Recommends it for:
vegans, experienced cooks, fancy black folk
Shelves:
i-own-it
Interesting cookbook. Many recipes call for some hard-to-find ingredients, and the more filling fare requires a lot of work. These are not 'throw something quick together' dishes for the family, but are probably intended for people who love to entertain and are experienced cooks. I want to try some of the beverages, and then I'll come back and rate those. Felt like too many drink recipes to me, but again I'm thinking this was for people who throw a lot of parties.
Quote: From page xx: While I tr...more
Quote: From page xx: While I tr...more
This is a wonderfully done vegan cookbook, and I love that it’s for vegan soul food. I’ve eaten very little soul food because most of it is very heavily animal meat based, and even when I was an omnivore I usually wasn’t a heavy meat eater. (There is a local vegan soul food restaurant but I haven’t gotten to it yet; it’s across the bay and I don’t get to that area often.)
This book is so creative, and very enjoyable to read. The book starts with a “thankful” blessing song, music included! Each r...more
This book is so creative, and very enjoyable to read. The book starts with a “thankful” blessing song, music included! Each r...more
2 likes · like · see review
This book was just so inspirational on every level. It really is more than a cookbook and touched on all of your senses. I have only made a couple of the recipes, but the ones that I made well were fantastic. My only complaint is that some of the recipes are a bit inaccessible for the average cook, either the ingredients are too pricey or inaccessible or the time required to assemble them is too much. Aside from those small complaints I felt that it was a very comprehensive book.
Feb 16, 2013
Mary
is currently reading it
Ok, let me just say I am SUPER picky when it comes to cookbooks. This book is so refreshing in so many ways! Love how he has a song for each recipe! I also like little stories and history along the way. I am not a vegan nor do I have any desire to be one but I do eat healthy, tasty food. THis man is doing great things, coming up with good recipes and then educating and creating access to good food for everyone. What's not to like about all that?!
I have made at least a dozen of these recipes and enjoyed every one. I also had the honor of meeting Bryant Terry when he spoke at Westminster last month. His position is: 1. Start with the visceral (growing, cooking, and eating food) 2. Move to the cerebral (comprehending / pondering our choice and their relation to the lives we live) 3. End with the political (collective action to bring about collective changes). Really one of my absolute favorites.
I guess I'm just not into soul food. None of the recipes in this book sounded interesting so I didn't make any and took the book back to the library.
Nothing about the book made me feel passionate about anything in it. Knowing Terry used to be vegan and has since changed his eating habits bothered me, but it's his life and I wish him luck, but that information tainted everything for me, but it's nice that he was honest about the change in his lifestyle instead of trying to come off as something...more
Nothing about the book made me feel passionate about anything in it. Knowing Terry used to be vegan and has since changed his eating habits bothered me, but it's his life and I wish him luck, but that information tainted everything for me, but it's nice that he was honest about the change in his lifestyle instead of trying to come off as something...more
1 like · like · see review
I like this genre of cooking so it was exciting to make a lot of the recipes out of the book. I do think he added way too many extra steps to each recipe. Maybe it's a male thing - but you actually don't need to use every pot and pan to make a meal!
Bryant Terry is a really nice guy and I do like what he's advocating (i.e., more community gardens). I picked up the cookbook because he gave talk to librarians at the library.
Bryant Terry is a really nice guy and I do like what he's advocating (i.e., more community gardens). I picked up the cookbook because he gave talk to librarians at the library.
Okay, well so far I have to admit that I haven't made any of the recipes, but hopefully by tonight that will have changed...
But I just love the author's writing style, and each recipe has a soundtrack- overall, a ton of love has gone into this book and I am enjoying just reading all the little anecdotes and ideas that go along with the recipes.
He's rad, the book is rad, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
But I just love the author's writing style, and each recipe has a soundtrack- overall, a ton of love has gone into this book and I am enjoying just reading all the little anecdotes and ideas that go along with the recipes.
He's rad, the book is rad, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
More than a cookbook, this is also a mission to get people--especially African American communities--to eat healthier and closer to home; it's a gustatory autobiographical glimpse at his life and family; it is also filled with book, musical, film, and art recommendations. I liked to just read it and I can't wait to try some of these. Making the Green Gratin in a couple days!
Jul 17, 2009
Marie
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
post-soydog vegetarians, backyard gardeners
Do not let the word "vegan" in the title scare you off; if you love to cook, this is THE kickass cookbook for the summer of 2009, no matter what you call your eating style. Have no fear, you won't find recipes for faux-baby back ribs or any of the other scary pseudomeats the title might bring to mind. Vegan Soul Kitchen is new vegan in the style of Veganomicon: adventurous, healthful recipes that do not make apologies for "missing" meat.
Grabbed this one from the library on a whim. Didn't think I'd see anything of interest in it, but I'd say about half of it looks like good eats, which is a lot for a cook book. Haven't made anything from it yet, but I think I may have to buy a copy.
Only downside - there's only about 5 pictures in the whole thing. A cookbook should be full of pictures!
Only downside - there's only about 5 pictures in the whole thing. A cookbook should be full of pictures!
I <3 Bryant Terry's cooking--he is brilliant and definitely not afraid of flavor. And, being Southern myself, I find great joy in his vegan takes on what I think of as comfort food. Everything in Vegan Soul Kitchen has a brightness and vitality to it that can get lost in all the salt, fat, and breading inherent in non-vegan soul food.
I read this from cover to cover like it was a novel. I checked this out from the library because I have been interesting in checking it out for some time, and didn't know whether I should invest the money--but I sure will be purchasing a copy! I'm embarking on a change in the way I eat and this book will definitely be a great resource!
A fun take on vegan food, but as with most vegan cookbooks, this had way too many drink recipes. Aren't most drinks vegan? I kinda think that's just cheating. Also, it was good at giving a baseline idea of what to do with certain ingredients, but I did think most of the recipes needed tweaking to make them a little bit better.
Aug 18, 2012
Debbie Vanover
added it
While I am not African-American, I do have all southern blood running through my veins. We all eat most of the same delicious dishes in my family, and having vegan versions of my favorites is a blessing. Read this book! :)
veggloverherbaltraditions.wordpress.com
feedmeveggies.blogspot.com
theherbnjungle.blogspot.com
veggloverherbaltraditions.wordpress.com
feedmeveggies.blogspot.com
theherbnjungle.blogspot.com
Oct 11, 2009
Jayme
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Adventurous cooks looking for something new
I can't say I really ate much soul food previous to this book so I can't compare these recipes to their more traditional ones, but I have enjoyed them so far.
Bryant's book covers everything starting with drinks all the way through the meal to desserts. I love that the first section is actually his own six personal favourite recipes. I plan on trying all of them! Some of the recipes I can't wait to try are 'Citrus Collards with Raisins Redux', 'Lavender Lemonade', and 'Fried Green Tomatoes' (cau...more
Bryant's book covers everything starting with drinks all the way through the meal to desserts. I love that the first section is actually his own six personal favourite recipes. I plan on trying all of them! Some of the recipes I can't wait to try are 'Citrus Collards with Raisins Redux', 'Lavender Lemonade', and 'Fried Green Tomatoes' (cau...more
I really enjoyed reading this cookbook. I tend to find that a lot of vegetarian/vegan recipes don't sound like something delicious that I would want to eat, but this cookbook makes everything sound fabulous. I can't wait to try some of these recipes! I love that he includes music and/or movies and books with each recipe. I've marked so many recipes in here, I'm thinking about maybe buying the cookbook myself.
I so love the finese that Terry uses to explain the how, why and what of vegan cooking. The addition of music, art and family tradition adds to the readability of this cookbook while pushes one to be a food activist. Some of the recipes seem rehashed (LOL) but I plan to incorporate several into my monthly menus.
Yuuummmmm...Watermelon Smoothies and Johnny Cakes and Fudge Pops...OH MY! So many good recipes, so little time to make them.
I like that Vegan Soul Kitchen doesn't have a lot of recipes that are supposed to have meat but calls for tofu instead. These recipes use a lot of whole foods and vegetables.
I like that Vegan Soul Kitchen doesn't have a lot of recipes that are supposed to have meat but calls for tofu instead. These recipes use a lot of whole foods and vegetables.
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Bryant Terry is an Oakland-based eco chef, food justice activist, and author of Vegan Soul Kitchen: Fresh, Healthy, and Creative African American Cuisine (Da Capo/Perseus March 2009). For the past eight years he has worked to build a more just and sustainable food system and has used cooking as a tool to illuminate the intersections between poverty, structural racism, and food insecurity. His inte...more
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