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Plant-Based on a Budget: Delicious Vegan Recipes for Under $30 a Week, in Less Than 30 Minutes a Meal
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Food & Cookbooks (2019)Eat vegan—for less!
Between low-paying jobs, car troubles, student loans, vet bills, and trying to pay down credit card debt, Toni Okamoto spent most of her early adult life living paycheck to paycheck. So when she became a vegan at age 20, she worried: How would she be able to afford that kind of lifestyle change?
Then she discovered how to be plant-based on a budget.
Through her popular website, Toni has taught hundreds of thousands of people how to eat a plant-strong diet while saving money in the process. With Plant-Based on a Budget, going vegan is not only an attainable goal, but the best choice for your health, the planet—and your wallet.
Toni’s guidance doesn’t just help you save money—it helps you save time, too. Every recipe in this book can be ready in around 30 minutes or less.
Through her imaginative and incredibly customizable recipes, Toni empowers readers to make their own substitutions based on the ingredients they have on hand, reducing food waste in the process.
Inside discover 100 of Toni’s “frugal but delicious” recipes, including:
5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Bites
Banana Zucchini Pancakes
Sick Day Soup
Lentils and Sweet Potato Bowl
PB Ramen Stir Fry
Tofu Veggie Gravy Bowl
Jackfruit Carnita Tacos
Depression Era Cupcakes
Real Deal Chocolate Chip Cookies
With a foreword by Michael Greger, MD, Plant-Based on a Budget gives you everything you need to make plant-based eating easy, accessible, and most of all, affordable.
Featured in the groundbreaking documentary What the Health
Between low-paying jobs, car troubles, student loans, vet bills, and trying to pay down credit card debt, Toni Okamoto spent most of her early adult life living paycheck to paycheck. So when she became a vegan at age 20, she worried: How would she be able to afford that kind of lifestyle change?
Then she discovered how to be plant-based on a budget.
Through her popular website, Toni has taught hundreds of thousands of people how to eat a plant-strong diet while saving money in the process. With Plant-Based on a Budget, going vegan is not only an attainable goal, but the best choice for your health, the planet—and your wallet.
Toni’s guidance doesn’t just help you save money—it helps you save time, too. Every recipe in this book can be ready in around 30 minutes or less.
Through her imaginative and incredibly customizable recipes, Toni empowers readers to make their own substitutions based on the ingredients they have on hand, reducing food waste in the process.
Inside discover 100 of Toni’s “frugal but delicious” recipes, including:
5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Bites
Banana Zucchini Pancakes
Sick Day Soup
Lentils and Sweet Potato Bowl
PB Ramen Stir Fry
Tofu Veggie Gravy Bowl
Jackfruit Carnita Tacos
Depression Era Cupcakes
Real Deal Chocolate Chip Cookies
With a foreword by Michael Greger, MD, Plant-Based on a Budget gives you everything you need to make plant-based eating easy, accessible, and most of all, affordable.
Featured in the groundbreaking documentary What the Health
275 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2019
558 people are currently reading
18388 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
December 21, 2019
I’ve entered to win this book on Goodreads. I can’t remember another time I’ve wanted to win this much. I’d love to own this book. It’s one of the very few cookbooks I’ve read that I’d actually regularly use. The copy I read I borrowed from the library.
Recommended for all people who like to save money and save time, eat healthfully/fairly healthfully, and cook/eat vegan. These really are time saving and money saving and mostly healthy recipes.
This book is all about saving money and all about health, though while the author did start a plant based diet for health reasons she did come to be vegan also for the environment and animal welfare reasons.
I love that readers are encouraged to play with the recipes because that is what I always do; I never make recipes exactly as they are written. This is a book with room for home cooks to write their notes about the recipes. I love the idea! There are some tips from the author and the tasters and there is also space at every recipe for the readers/home cooks to make their personal notes about recipes. This is one reason that this would be a good book to own.
I love her tips on how to shop to get the exact right amount of ingredients for the recipes. She’s against food waste and I find that inspiring and will adopt some of her suggestions when shopping for ingredients for recipes and also for using leftovers, vegetables just starting to go bad, etc.
There are so many recipes I’d like to make from this book. Yes, I’d tweak many but only a tiny bit. Most look great as they are.
I enjoyed the short little blurbs before some of the recipes, especially the ones that had personal stories about them.
There are colorful, gorgeous and mouthwatering photos for each of the completed recipes. (There are also multiple photos of the author.) The entire layout of the book is attractive and seems easy to use and easy to find its recipes.
The only negative I see is that there is a lot of repetition in the basic foods lists and between the recipes re types of beans, grains, vegetables, spices, but it’s also obvious how easy it would be to substitute alternatives to get a wider variety of foods. The only negative for me is that I don’t have a food processor or blender or even some of the basic recommended kitchen utensils. This author does describe how it’s possible to get what’s useful very inexpensively.
Contents:
Foreword
Introduction
My Story
How To Be Plant-Based on a Budget
Breakfast
Salads
Snacks
One-Pot Meals
Supper Staples
Desserts
Back to Basics
Sample Meal Plan for One
Acknowledgments
Metric Conversions
Subject Index
Recipe Index
About the Author
Some of the dishes I’d like to make that would require very little or no tweaking from me:
From Breakfasts: Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Bites; Tofu Scramble; Blueberry Banana Muffins; Hummus and Avocado Bagel
From Salads: Quinoa Salad; Perfect Potluck Pasta Salad; Larb Salad
From Snacks: Homemade Hummus; Homemade Red Salsa; Guacamole; Nacho Cheese; Peanut Butter Balls
From One-Pot Meals: Black Bean Soup; Broccoli Potato Soup; Carrot Ginger Soup; Miso Split Pea Soup; Mexican-Inspired Soup; Minestrone Soup; Gumbo; Sweet Potato Chili; Tofu Noodle Soup
From Supper Staples: Tofu with Peanut Sauce; Avocado Sunflower Seed Pesto Pasta; Lentil and Sweet Potato Bowl; Veggie Tofu Pasta; Spaghetti Squash with Marinara and Veggies; Stuffed Bell Peppers; Veggie Chow Mein; Ginger Lime Tofu; Tofu Veggie Gravy Bowl
From Desserts: Four-Ingredient Chocolate Cake; Banana Soft Serve; Aaron’s Grandma’s Banana Bread; Depression Era Cupcakes; Mixed Berry Cobbler; Chocolate Covered Strawberries; Baked Apples; Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies; Pumpkin Pie; Real-Deal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Her Back to Basics section includes some great recipes too. They’re mostly staple foods such as specific grains, beans, dressings, etc. and special foods such as piecrust, pizza dough, cashew cream.
I should try to make at least a couple of these recipes before I return the book. There is a queue. I’m glad and I don’t mind borrowing it again. I voted for this book for best cookbook in the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards. I’d be delighted if it wins. The author has a blog https://plantbasedonabudget.com/blog/ on her website. This book stands completely on its own and it’s excellent.
The problem is the book and writing this review made me way too hungry!
Recommended for all people who like to save money and save time, eat healthfully/fairly healthfully, and cook/eat vegan. These really are time saving and money saving and mostly healthy recipes.
This book is all about saving money and all about health, though while the author did start a plant based diet for health reasons she did come to be vegan also for the environment and animal welfare reasons.
I love that readers are encouraged to play with the recipes because that is what I always do; I never make recipes exactly as they are written. This is a book with room for home cooks to write their notes about the recipes. I love the idea! There are some tips from the author and the tasters and there is also space at every recipe for the readers/home cooks to make their personal notes about recipes. This is one reason that this would be a good book to own.
I love her tips on how to shop to get the exact right amount of ingredients for the recipes. She’s against food waste and I find that inspiring and will adopt some of her suggestions when shopping for ingredients for recipes and also for using leftovers, vegetables just starting to go bad, etc.
There are so many recipes I’d like to make from this book. Yes, I’d tweak many but only a tiny bit. Most look great as they are.
I enjoyed the short little blurbs before some of the recipes, especially the ones that had personal stories about them.
There are colorful, gorgeous and mouthwatering photos for each of the completed recipes. (There are also multiple photos of the author.) The entire layout of the book is attractive and seems easy to use and easy to find its recipes.
The only negative I see is that there is a lot of repetition in the basic foods lists and between the recipes re types of beans, grains, vegetables, spices, but it’s also obvious how easy it would be to substitute alternatives to get a wider variety of foods. The only negative for me is that I don’t have a food processor or blender or even some of the basic recommended kitchen utensils. This author does describe how it’s possible to get what’s useful very inexpensively.
Contents:
Foreword
Introduction
My Story
How To Be Plant-Based on a Budget
Breakfast
Salads
Snacks
One-Pot Meals
Supper Staples
Desserts
Back to Basics
Sample Meal Plan for One
Acknowledgments
Metric Conversions
Subject Index
Recipe Index
About the Author
Some of the dishes I’d like to make that would require very little or no tweaking from me:
From Breakfasts: Five-Ingredient Peanut Butter Bites; Tofu Scramble; Blueberry Banana Muffins; Hummus and Avocado Bagel
From Salads: Quinoa Salad; Perfect Potluck Pasta Salad; Larb Salad
From Snacks: Homemade Hummus; Homemade Red Salsa; Guacamole; Nacho Cheese; Peanut Butter Balls
From One-Pot Meals: Black Bean Soup; Broccoli Potato Soup; Carrot Ginger Soup; Miso Split Pea Soup; Mexican-Inspired Soup; Minestrone Soup; Gumbo; Sweet Potato Chili; Tofu Noodle Soup
From Supper Staples: Tofu with Peanut Sauce; Avocado Sunflower Seed Pesto Pasta; Lentil and Sweet Potato Bowl; Veggie Tofu Pasta; Spaghetti Squash with Marinara and Veggies; Stuffed Bell Peppers; Veggie Chow Mein; Ginger Lime Tofu; Tofu Veggie Gravy Bowl
From Desserts: Four-Ingredient Chocolate Cake; Banana Soft Serve; Aaron’s Grandma’s Banana Bread; Depression Era Cupcakes; Mixed Berry Cobbler; Chocolate Covered Strawberries; Baked Apples; Protein Chocolate Chip Cookies; Pumpkin Pie; Real-Deal Chocolate Chip Cookies
Her Back to Basics section includes some great recipes too. They’re mostly staple foods such as specific grains, beans, dressings, etc. and special foods such as piecrust, pizza dough, cashew cream.
I should try to make at least a couple of these recipes before I return the book. There is a queue. I’m glad and I don’t mind borrowing it again. I voted for this book for best cookbook in the 2019 Goodreads Choice Awards. I’d be delighted if it wins. The author has a blog https://plantbasedonabudget.com/blog/ on her website. This book stands completely on its own and it’s excellent.
The problem is the book and writing this review made me way too hungry!
June 7, 2019
*4.5
As a vegan of a little over two years, there weren't many new recipes in here for me. That being said, I found it to be a useful reminder of easy and affordable meals I could be making. I also LOVED that the author seems to be as much of a fan of peanut butter as I am! I would recommend this to anyone considering veganism but doesn't think they can afford it. I'm planning on working my way through the cookbook to see how many meals I can add to our meal rotation.
The first recipe I tried was the blueberry oatmeal which is a very simple recipe. I haven't made oatmeal in a long time but it seemed like a good morning to try it. Oh my gosh, it made my house smell like blueberry muffins! I added maple syrup, salt and chia seeds to mine which I'm going to write in the book in the section she left open for people to keep track of their own variations.
As a vegan of a little over two years, there weren't many new recipes in here for me. That being said, I found it to be a useful reminder of easy and affordable meals I could be making. I also LOVED that the author seems to be as much of a fan of peanut butter as I am! I would recommend this to anyone considering veganism but doesn't think they can afford it. I'm planning on working my way through the cookbook to see how many meals I can add to our meal rotation.
The first recipe I tried was the blueberry oatmeal which is a very simple recipe. I haven't made oatmeal in a long time but it seemed like a good morning to try it. Oh my gosh, it made my house smell like blueberry muffins! I added maple syrup, salt and chia seeds to mine which I'm going to write in the book in the section she left open for people to keep track of their own variations.
July 28, 2019
Beautiful book with sensible, economical recipes. I am not vegan, but always looking for more ways to get vegetables and healthy grains into my diet.
Book starts off with f author's story of how she adapted the vegan life style as a young woman and needing it to be both healthy and economical.
Some of the ideas are very simple but have never occurred to me (ex: a bagel, spread with hummus and topped with avocado slices for breakfast). Sweet prototypes are a favorite of mine but I've never used them in chili or in sandwiches.
Most recipes use basic staples such as canned chick peas, dried lentils, tomato paste, etc. Instructions are very clear and usually a couple of cooking methods are offered (pressure cooker/stove top, food processor/blender).
Also I like the tester's tips at the end of many of the recipes -- getting another cook's opinion is useful. Beautiful color full page photographs throughout the book.
Book starts off with f author's story of how she adapted the vegan life style as a young woman and needing it to be both healthy and economical.
Some of the ideas are very simple but have never occurred to me (ex: a bagel, spread with hummus and topped with avocado slices for breakfast). Sweet prototypes are a favorite of mine but I've never used them in chili or in sandwiches.
Most recipes use basic staples such as canned chick peas, dried lentils, tomato paste, etc. Instructions are very clear and usually a couple of cooking methods are offered (pressure cooker/stove top, food processor/blender).
Also I like the tester's tips at the end of many of the recipes -- getting another cook's opinion is useful. Beautiful color full page photographs throughout the book.
May 18, 2019
Since it’s plant based on a budget the recipes are obviously really plain and for beginners, but I can see this being really helpful for someone either on a budget or new to veganism, or both!
August 20, 2020
This is a popular vegan cookbook for a reason: it offers easy, inexpensive recipes for fresh-food newbies. It's honestly refreshing to find a vegan cookbook that eschews expensive, trendy ingredients and focuses on weeknight meals that won't break the bank. However, there are drawbacks to this as well. As an experienced cook (I don't eat a completely vegan diet, but I am very comfortable with vegan cooking), there were few recipes here to inspire or excite my palate. I don't need another recipe for hummus or salsa at this point in my life. In addition, relying on inexpensive ingredients also means that the recipes sometimes felt repetitive, and the flavor profiles weren't as varied as I would have liked. There are only so many things to be done with sweet potatoes, canned beans, cabbage, and peanuts, all of which are heavily represented here.
In sum: this is a fantastic resource for new vegans and new cooks in general who are working within a limited budget. However, if you already know your way around a block of tofu, you probably won't find much to excite you here. Check out Teri Walters's Clean Food: A Seasonal Guide to Eating Close to the Source with More Than 200 Recipes for a Healthy and Sustainable You or Clean Start: Inspiring You to Eat Clean and Live Well with 100 New Clean Food Recipes instead.
In sum: this is a fantastic resource for new vegans and new cooks in general who are working within a limited budget. However, if you already know your way around a block of tofu, you probably won't find much to excite you here. Check out Teri Walters's Clean Food: A Seasonal Guide to Eating Close to the Source with More Than 200 Recipes for a Healthy and Sustainable You or Clean Start: Inspiring You to Eat Clean and Live Well with 100 New Clean Food Recipes instead.
May 8, 2019
This book has some really great recipes. The recipes are also easy to alter for a family that is not vegan. I have a few recipes that I am going to make for my family. I can't wait to try them!
November 19, 2019
I absolutely Love this cookbook!!! My husband had to become Vegan because of medical issues, wow what a change that has been. I am actually feeling so much healthier, if I had only knew earlier in life about being Vegan. This cookbook is a “Life” saver! Being new to this food change can be extremely expensive and that is where this cookbook becomes my kitchen bible........Highly recommend this cookbook, it’s a no brainer.
June 28, 2019
Love the layout of the book, that you have space to add notes to the recipes, and the beautiful vivid pictures. This book has given me ideas on recipes to include in mine and my families lifestyle to increase how many veggies me and my family consume. Looking forward to trying out the different recipes with family and friends.
December 31, 2024
Received this for Christmas and have read thru all the recipes and have made a few. I'm not vegan but I am vegetarian. Most of these recipes aren't new concepts to me, but are good reminders of ways to use the foods I normally have on hand. Making the pasta salad as I write this!
January 16, 2020
As always I’m looking for interesting dishes to offer for MLK events, Super Bowl, and winter nights in general. This was overall works and had some yummy ideas that can creep into our menus.
Currently reading
July 15, 2019I won a copy of this book through Goodreads. I will have to update this once I try using the recipes, but on first glance this is a really nice book, especially for someone starting out with vegan eating. There are a lot of recipes, all with bright and appealing photos. Many of the recipes are simple and may be too basic for some, but there are things in the book that interest me as a long-time vegetarian, including basic things I have meant to try making at home but haven't. The format of the book, with tasters tips and suggestions (similar to a short comments section) and space for adding notes, makes it seem like a useful resource to return to over time.
June 6, 2019
Nice photos of the foods in the book. Not too many recipes I'll try, but simple and easy to prepare based on instructions.
I didn't like the green smoothie. Made better ones from jj Smith book. I did like the Mexican bowl, simple to make. I loved the black beans with sweet potato and added more seasoning.
Disclaimer: I purchased a copy and giving my honest opinion.
I didn't like the green smoothie. Made better ones from jj Smith book. I did like the Mexican bowl, simple to make. I loved the black beans with sweet potato and added more seasoning.
Disclaimer: I purchased a copy and giving my honest opinion.
May 13, 2020
Not a bad book but I didn't pick up anything I wanted to cook. Just not my style of food.
August 5, 2020
I really liked this book, and it changed my perspective on what is vegan food. The spice palette didn't mesh well with mine, and focused a lot on Mexican spins. Which is fine, but I was hoping for a wider variety. In snacks, there were like 4 different salsas and one recipes for ants on a log, but on an apple. No kidding, apples, peanut butter, and raisins.
There are beautiful pictures and lines for personal notes for how to make many of the recipes your own. That was super cool! I wish more cookbooks did this. I highly recommend this book for someone looking to explore the veggie section of their diets and meal planning on a realistic budget. I will be passing this one along because good books are meant to be shared.
There are beautiful pictures and lines for personal notes for how to make many of the recipes your own. That was super cool! I wish more cookbooks did this. I highly recommend this book for someone looking to explore the veggie section of their diets and meal planning on a realistic budget. I will be passing this one along because good books are meant to be shared.
February 21, 2023
This is right along with the way I've been eating for the past few years. People equate a plant based diet with an expensive grocery bill and it's only that way if you're into vegan junk food/processed food or convenience foods. Most whole food, plant based ingredients are inexpensive and fit easily into simple recipes. I've only tried a few of the recipes in this book so far but they were great, and I have many more marked to try.
December 15, 2019
This is a really good cookbook that has straight forward vegan recipes, a practical approach, and useful for both new and seasoned home cooks. Look forward to working my way through this one.
January 6, 2022
Some really great options in there!! Glad I picked this up! The artichoke pasta is definitely one of my favorite recipes!
March 6, 2024
3.5 rounded down. Some good basic recipes and tips. Nice pictures. Great for someone new to vegan cooking.
December 5, 2019
Loved it! Simple, delicious recipes that even I was able to put together. My favorites from the recipes are the Chilaquiles, Pumpkin Bites, Peanut Butter Balls and the Nacho Cheese. There's really so many more, but those are just a few of my favorites.
July 16, 2019
This is a great book for those who are new or want to try veganism. It is organized well with lots of great tips and tricks and has beautiful photos (which I always love for cookbooks). A lot of the recipes are simple so those who have been vegan for a while may find it too basic.
July 3, 2019
I love this book. Going to change some of the ways I eat.
November 24, 2019
Why would anyone assume veganism to be expensive? Ok, a lb of quinoa is about $8, but cooking that whole bag would provide at least 12 servings--a lb of brown rice would cost $3 for 8-10 servings. Fresh fruits and veggies out of season are costly, but frozen fruits and veggies are rarely more than a couple of $ per lb, depending on where you shop.
This book has some nice recipes, but I didn't find anything new and wonderful. It is nicely written and should provide some inspiration for beginners.
But how many folks are included in that title boast? The title doesn't specify if that is $30 per person or $30 per an unspecified sized family.
I can feed a family of 4 on $30--I grew up on a farm and learned so much about making do with little that I can slide some non-vegan components, ie eggs, meat, and cheese into that budget, although sticking hard to legumes and using vegetable oils instead of butter or bacon makes it easier. I'm not a vegan, but I do serve vegan meals several times a week and read this book because I'm always on the lookout for ways to make our family diet more plant-based.
This book has some nice recipes, but I didn't find anything new and wonderful. It is nicely written and should provide some inspiration for beginners.
But how many folks are included in that title boast? The title doesn't specify if that is $30 per person or $30 per an unspecified sized family.
I can feed a family of 4 on $30--I grew up on a farm and learned so much about making do with little that I can slide some non-vegan components, ie eggs, meat, and cheese into that budget, although sticking hard to legumes and using vegetable oils instead of butter or bacon makes it easier. I'm not a vegan, but I do serve vegan meals several times a week and read this book because I'm always on the lookout for ways to make our family diet more plant-based.
December 14, 2019
2.5 stars
This was one of the Best of 2019 nominees. It has some lovely ideas, but I was really disappointed that there wasn't any nutritional information or cost information (since that's the main goal of the book). And honestly you can find very similar recipes on online blogs.
But the photos are beautiful!
This was one of the Best of 2019 nominees. It has some lovely ideas, but I was really disappointed that there wasn't any nutritional information or cost information (since that's the main goal of the book). And honestly you can find very similar recipes on online blogs.
But the photos are beautiful!
May 21, 2019
Toni is an amazing practical writer who can connect with readers from all walks of life. Enough of the trader Joe's twinkle toes posh vegan lifestyle, Toni provides real ways to be a real person and eat real food while being plant based. Get the book! You won't be sorry.
March 5, 2020
Less of a cookbook, and more a book of suggestions of things to do with food, this would be a good gift for young broke vegans who don't really know how (or have time) to cook anything.
Want to read
April 27, 2024Recommended by Dr. Greger
July 11, 2023
I think a big test with cookbooks is whether they're actually worth buying a copy to keep around. I think this one is because it has a bunch of basic recipes that can serve as jumping off points if you have different ingredients.
These recipes are pretty simple so it's good for people new to cooking or if you don't have a lot of time. I glanced at the blog and those recipes seemed more "elevated"
I thought the spices/flavors were kind of limited, but again that's something that you can add more of as you gain experience. It relies heavily on onion/garlic/pepper and that's honestly never going to steer you wrong.
The one-pot recipe section is exclusively soups.
I liked that each recipe has the instructions for fresh/frozen/canned ingredients. I also really appreciated the author's personal story.
This cookbook could be a good starting place for people dealing with allergies/food sensitivities. Many of the recipes are gluten free or have easy subs, and of course it's vegan. Often people think they have to buy stuff labelled "dairy free" at the store and triple their grocery bill. There is quite a bit of soy and peanut use in the book.
I plan to read her other cookbooks too and try out some of the recipes.
These recipes are pretty simple so it's good for people new to cooking or if you don't have a lot of time. I glanced at the blog and those recipes seemed more "elevated"
I thought the spices/flavors were kind of limited, but again that's something that you can add more of as you gain experience. It relies heavily on onion/garlic/pepper and that's honestly never going to steer you wrong.
The one-pot recipe section is exclusively soups.
I liked that each recipe has the instructions for fresh/frozen/canned ingredients. I also really appreciated the author's personal story.
This cookbook could be a good starting place for people dealing with allergies/food sensitivities. Many of the recipes are gluten free or have easy subs, and of course it's vegan. Often people think they have to buy stuff labelled "dairy free" at the store and triple their grocery bill. There is quite a bit of soy and peanut use in the book.
I plan to read her other cookbooks too and try out some of the recipes.
November 22, 2019
I am an omnivorous, ketogenic (formerly diabetic) in a family with two vegans and two more omnivores. I got this book from the library in the hopes of finding some recipes that we could all share. Unfortunately, the recipes do not include the nutritional information I need to easily determine if they'll work.
However, there are still lots of things to like about this book, especially for the average person who doesn't need to limit their carbs/sugars/starches. Most recipes are simple and frugal, with only a few using meat substitutes. There's a shopping list and meal plan. The recipes include testers' tips and they have room to make notes of your own.
What I appreciate most is the author's positive attitude. She explains her choice to eat a plant-based diet, but doesn't preach or badger like the hostile, militant vegans. Anyone could comfortably use this book as a reference to add some plant-based meals and snacks to their own lives, or to find a vegan-friendly dish for a potluck or a sick friend, without being vilified. I truly appreciate that.
However, there are still lots of things to like about this book, especially for the average person who doesn't need to limit their carbs/sugars/starches. Most recipes are simple and frugal, with only a few using meat substitutes. There's a shopping list and meal plan. The recipes include testers' tips and they have room to make notes of your own.
What I appreciate most is the author's positive attitude. She explains her choice to eat a plant-based diet, but doesn't preach or badger like the hostile, militant vegans. Anyone could comfortably use this book as a reference to add some plant-based meals and snacks to their own lives, or to find a vegan-friendly dish for a potluck or a sick friend, without being vilified. I truly appreciate that.
November 24, 2020
Family loved this book. I can't wait to read her next book the Friendly Vegan. I have a food allergy severe to the point I get very ill with certain items and had to make a change to Vegetarian leaning towards Vegan. As still learning this and that but I was scared I couldn't eat much and didn't know where to start. This book is great for those who are new and feel lost or overwhelmed. Toni walks you through every step even what you can do in replace of items that your not sure can use. Even somethings you never thought of using. Thank you for so many new recipe's. Also book is very friendly for those that have Autism. My son does and found out he has same medical conditions I do and at first was upset he had to give things up till he started cooking from Plant Based on a Budget. He actually turned it into a text book for himself to learn how to start cooking differently to fit his lifestyle changes. Thank you and hoping I will be able to finically soon get the next book for both of us.
October 5, 2020
What I like about this cookbook are the easy to follow recipes. Plus, the author seems like a nice, warm person, and even though this says nothing about the quality of the recipes, I still find it adds to the overall impression you get from a cookbook.
What I didn't like about this cookbook is the simplicity of the recipes. I mean, it might be my mistake because it's right there in the title that this is a cookbook that is about not spending a whole lot on food. Less ingredients mean a lower grocery bill, of course. But some recipes were just bland and could have really used more ingredients, like more veggies or spices.
If you're an experienced cook, I wouldn't recommend this book. You don't need a recipe to decide on some veggies to put in a stir-fry and add store-bought teriyaki sauce. If you're not usually cooking a whole lot, I think this cookbook could be a good start - especially if you don't care for long ingredient lists and spending a long time in the kitchen.
What I didn't like about this cookbook is the simplicity of the recipes. I mean, it might be my mistake because it's right there in the title that this is a cookbook that is about not spending a whole lot on food. Less ingredients mean a lower grocery bill, of course. But some recipes were just bland and could have really used more ingredients, like more veggies or spices.
If you're an experienced cook, I wouldn't recommend this book. You don't need a recipe to decide on some veggies to put in a stir-fry and add store-bought teriyaki sauce. If you're not usually cooking a whole lot, I think this cookbook could be a good start - especially if you don't care for long ingredient lists and spending a long time in the kitchen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews