Easy Plant-Based Cookbook for Two- Review and Recipe

Lei Shishak, author of Farm-to Ladle Desserts and Beach House Baking, has published a new cookbook called Easy Plant-Based Cooking for Two - and I think it's impressive and worth a look!

 I found Lei's vegan recipes interesting, uncomplicated, health conscious, and perfect to feed two average eaters. And I love that there is a beautiful color photo for each of her 80 recipes! For example, the following recipe is for her chickpea loaf which I intend to try for the holidays. 

Professional photo supplied by the author from the cookbook

Whether you are an experienced plant-based cook or a beginner just looking to include more plant-based meals into your diet, this book covers all bases. 

Those new to a plant-based diet might benefit from her chapters 

•  Tips for Starting a Plant-Based Diet
•  Plant-Based Pantry
•  Grocery Shopping Tips

   

More experienced plant-based cooks will enjoy new and inspirational ideas and refreshing recipes. I know I'm always looking for something different and new to me.  I've listed a few of the recipes I found in the cookbook that looked interesting to me:  

• Lavender Coffee
• Garlic Naans (which can probably be made gluten-free by using a GF all-purpose flour)
• Thai Chopped Salad
• Tahini Ginger Sauce 
• Roasted Eggplant with Walnut Pesto Pasta
• Chickpea Loaf
• Sesame Soba Noodles 
• Spaghetti Squash Soup
• Indian Style Potatoes (looks amazing)
• Wild Rice and Brussels sprouts  

Although the cookbook is not intended to be a gluten-free cookbook, the author includes and identifies many of the naturally gluten-free recipes in her 80 recipe collection. Many of her other recipes can very easily be converted to gluten-free.

What's unique about her recipes?- They are intended to help make plant-based recipes in just the right quantities making them perfect for newlyweds, singles, empty nesters, seniors, and anyone looking to have a new delicious plant-based food everyday.

Format

Let's start with the format of the cookbook. 

• Easy to navigate
• Contents page with page numbers for each chapter
• Extensive Index by recipe and ingredient for an easy search 

Quality : 

• Sturdy
• Print is easy to read 
• Photos are exquisite 

Recipes:

• Easy to follow directions
• Recipes are easy to make
• Most ingredients are easy to access

With the author's permission, I'm sharing a recipe selection from the cookbook for Wild Rice and Brussels Sprouts - just in time for Thanksgiving.

Professional photo courtesy of Lei Shishak
from her cookbook

Wild Rice and Brussels Sprouts 

from Easy Plant-Based Cooking for Two 

Ingredients: 

2 cups lightly salted water

1/2 cup of wild rice

1 bay leaf

1 tablespoon of olive oil

1/4 cup of raw walnut halves

3/4 cup of thinly sliced Brussels sprouts 

1/4 cup of small diced onions

1 medium celery rib, small-diced

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1/8 teaspoon of pepper

1/8 teaspoon of dried thyme

1/8 teaspoon of dried sage

1 garlic clove, minced

1 tablespoon of dried cranberries

1/2 teaspoon of white wine vinegar

Directions: 

In a small pot, combine 2 cups lightly salted water, rice, and bay leaf and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and cook at a low boil for 40 minutes until rice is tender. Drain through a strainer and discard bay leaf. Return rice to the pot, and cover to keep warm.

In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the walnuts and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes until light golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the nuts to a plate. Add the Brussels sprouts, onions, celery, slat, pepper, thyme, and sage to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the wild rice, cranberries, and vinegar. Cook until warmed through, about 1 to 2 minutes. Fold in the walnuts and serve. 

My Conclusion

If you love a cookbook with wonderful photos, recipes that make your mouth water, directions that are easy to follow and a true consciousness for healthy eating, then go directly to Amazon and take a look at this book. 

Who do you know that could benefit from having this cookbook? Could be a nice gift! Easy Plant-Based Cooking for Two (Amazon Link) 

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