Big Veg Energy: Plant-Based Just Got Better

by Christina Soteriou, Joe Woodhouse (photographer)

Bold recipes, made with plants.

The debut cookbook from Christina Soteriou, the plant-based chef with over 350k followers. Filled with 100 simple, tasty and nutritious recipes to be enjoyed by everyone, these are hearty meals that ramp up the flavour in every bite.

With influences from Christina's Cypriot roots, expect nourishing, vibrant food, including Spicy Mushroom Skewers with Peanut Lime Sauce, Lemony Sunflower Seed Labneh, Roasted Courgettes with Lemony Whipped Tofu and Peanut Butter Cherry Jam Semifreddo.

Always fresh and healthy, with tips for making sure your meals are packed with protein and nutrients, as well as being totally delicious.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, Nonfiction, Cooking, Vegan

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 14, 2025

Reviews

[nightmares.of.eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Mediterranean food lovers cutting back on meat — this cookbook is pure gold.

This one really surprised me in the best way. Big Veg Energy is a celebration of Cypriot-Greek flavors, but with a modern, global twist — especially with Asian influences that add extra depth and punch. Christina Soteriou doesn’t just do veggies well — she elevates them. The result? A bold, creative, and genuinely nutritious collection of recipes that you’ll actually want to cook.

What makes this book stand out is the smart use of diverse proteins: legumes, tofu, quinoa — it's plant-based food that doesn’t skimp on balance or flavor. You’re not just eating veg, you’re eating well.

The variety is stellar: small plates, casseroles, pastas, mains, even desserts. Some favorites? The Spicy Mushroom Skewers with Peanut Lime Sauce (wow), the Lemony Sunflower Seed Labneh (unexpected and brilliant), and the Peanut Butter Cherry Jam Semifreddo (don’t even get me started).

It’s rooted in Mediterranean and Cypriot traditions, but it never feels stuck there. It feels current, fresh, and full of possibilities. Whether you're meat-reducing, plant-based, or just flavor-obsessed, there’s plenty here to inspire.

Verdict: Bright, bold, and full of smart plant-based ideas. For fans of Mediterranean cuisine looking to mix things up — this is your next favorite cookbook.

[Mariyke Beccaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed her since 2021, very talented chef. Amazing combination of flavours and innovative style of cooking. Technique-wise, I think you should have the base of cooking to follow this book but very well explained. I've been doing different recipes from her Instagram page and I always got compliments!!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent veg forward book, great every day recipes , I can see why Yotam is praising her food. Nothing plastic or processed or faux here, just flavour with a med cypriat modern twist. No gimmicks.

[Clothilde · Rating 5 out of 5]

did I just mark almost every recipe to try? yes I did 🤩
pics made me v hungry!!!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not a vegan, but every recipe in this book looks delicious. I can see myself subsisting for a year on the meals presented here. Outstanding.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of fresh but also fussy recipes. I need simple these days.

[Samyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some really unique and exceptional recipes in here - nothing like any other cookbook (and I’ve read a lot of them).