Fresh and Fast Vegan Pleasures: More than 140 Delicious, Creative Recipes to Nourish Aspiring and Devoted Vegans

by Amanda Grant

With the latest headlines concerning the hidden dangers of many foods, a vegan diet—one that avoids all meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and animal by-products—provides a safe and healthy alternative. In Fresh and Fast Vegan Pleasures, Amanda Grant uses a wonderful variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, fresh herbs, sea vegetables, and exotic spices to create delectable dishes that will delight everyone already eating a vegetarian diet and tempt those who have heretofore resisted exploring vegan cooking. Divided into five sections, the 145 flavorful and easy-to-prepare recipes cover appetizers, salads, main dishes, desserts, and much more, including Vegetable Crisps, Fresh Ginger and Basil Pasta, Four-Onion Croustades, Spanish Potato Gratin, Tomato and Basil Risotto, Homemade Pizza, Chocolate Raspberry Hazelnut Cake, and Orange and Passionfruit Sorbet. Cook's tips are featured throughout the book, along with basic cupboard ingredients.

Genres: Cookbooks, Vegan, Nonfiction, Vegetarian, Reference

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2002

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The polenta with beans, a coastal African dish was delicious and easy. Only 5 ingredients and maybe 25 minutes, yet the final dish was complex and flavorful. And you're supposed to eat it with your hands -- which I enjoyed despite the fact that the turmeric stained my fingers!

The Moroccan pilaf (with dried apricots and almonds) was a HUGE hit and was also super-easy. Just chop everything up, throw it in a casserole, and bake.

The only disappointment so far was the Moroccon chickpeas with saffron rice. It was OK but a little bland for my taste.

Also, one note: there are very few protein-rich recipes in this cookbook, but lots of good ideas for side dishes.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are several recipes in this cookbook that I use regularly, such as the Moroccan-spiced chickpeas and the black beans with lime and chili. The recipes cover a wide range of ethnic cuisine, and the flavour combinations are well-thought-out. One downside is they tend to be lighter dishes, but the bean dishes, such as the ones mentioned above, are quite filling.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I make some side dishes from this one.

[Julie Doherty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmmmmm. There are some good recipes here, but she uses an awful lot of soy, tofu and margarine.