Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home: Fast and Easy Recipes for Any Day

by The Moosewood Collective

Winner of the 1995 James Beard Award for Best Vegetarian Cookbook Although many people think that cooking without meat means spending more time in the kitchen, the cooks at the world-renowned Moosewood Restaurant know this isn't so. Busy balancing home, work, and other commitments, they've been cooking for family and friends every day of the week for over twenty years. Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home is the result of that experience -- over 150 carefully honed and tested recipes calling for the best ingredients, accompanied by time-saving tips and planning suggestions, add up to a delicious whole-foods cuisine that is versatile and healthful and can be prepared with a minimum of effort.

This book contains dishes full of exciting flavors, sure to please every taste, from savory soups to substantial main-dish salads, from hearty stews to palate-teasing "small dishes." Sauces, salsas and dressings, and a collection of almost-instant desserts turn the simplest meal into an occasion.

Chapters on techniques and menu planning, lists of recipes for special needs, including nondairy and vegan fare and kid-pleasing food, as well as an in-depth guide to stocking the meatless pantry (including a list of recommended convenience foods), make Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home the essential companion to everyday cooking.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction, Reference, Vegetarian, How To

416 pages, Paperback

First published April 19, 1994

About the author

The Moosewood Collective is a crew of fourteen women and five men. Some of us moonlight from Moosewood, and among us we have a broad range of interests and avocations. Our group comprises musicians, singers, dancers, actors, performers, mediators, meditators, activists, teachers, trainers, consultants, writers, gardeners, editors, poets, artists, quilters, calligraphers, martial arts instructors and enthusiasts, health advocates, parents, grandparents, good cooks, and really good eaters.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cookbook, more than any other I've been working with, has taught me how not just the mechanics of how to cook, but what it means to feed myself well to have a household, to take responsibility for my own nourishment. It's not that any of the recipes are mind-blowingly incredible, but they are accessible, unpretentious, realistic while also being interesting and satisfying. Making their recipes has given me a feel for what I like - what flavor combinations appeal to me, which vegetables I keep delightedly returning to. And many of the recipes are, in themselves, quite excellent - their scallion biscuits, saffron orzo, cannellini and vegetables, eggplant mykonos. But I value most the sense of competence it's giving me, my new ease and comfort with ingredients and cooking techniques.

The desserts section is rather weak (aside from the simple and perfect brownies), consisting mostly of fruit in various permutations. But there are plenty of other cookbooks for that.

Highly recommended - probably best for young couples like my partner and I, with a little time and a great deal of enthusiasm.

[Lia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less-complicated recipes that are still veg-focused. When I cook for myself (which is only like once a month, tops) I usually stick to vegetarian fare and this offered a lot of new dishes. I have even been able to use some as side dishes to coax my kids into eating more healthfully. The soup section is particularly earmarked, I am a sucker for veggie soups - I love the sweet peppers soup and pea soup. The pasta valenzana is also a fave of mine and its excellent leftovers for lunch.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great vegetarian/healthy cooking cook book. I use quite a few recipes regularly from this book. Most recipes call for simple ingredients, and are very easy to make. Although there are no pictures, none are needed, because they have a description for each recipe that helps you envision what it's like, and also, what goes well with it. Some of my favorite recipes are: garlic and greens pizza; Asian Cabbage slaw; Soba Noodle Salad; Red, Gold, Black, and Green Chili; Sweet Potato Quesadillas; Curried Chick Peas and Tofu; and Mushrooms with Chinese Black Bean Sauce.

It also has a guide to ingredients, and How to cook bean, grains and pasta in the back, which I have found to be very helpful (it has the best instructions for how to cook brown rice). It also has an easy-to-use index. Overall a well put together cook book with great recipes.

[Audrey Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one has many post-its hanging off it's edges. The recipes are faster and simpler than the other Moosewood books, and therefore it is more practical. Some of my favorites that I have been making so long I forgot where they came from-are from this book. Like Fennel and Orange Salad or Asparagus with Fried Eggs and Cheese. The collection of recipes reflects many different ethnic origins, but most ingredients are easily found. Still, the combinations of flavors are often unexpected making this the book I look at when I am bored and want something different. Like Chick Pea and Artichoke Heart Stew, or Sweet Potato Quesadillas. Helpful suggestions for completing the menu are in the margin of each recipe. I must also add that it is a vegetarian cookbook and I am not a vegetarian.

[Critterbee❇ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was published over 20 years ago, and is another great cookbook from Moosewood Restaurant.

Although my favorite is the recent Moosewood Restaurant Favorites: The 250 Most-Requested, Naturally Delicious Recipes from One of America's Best-Loved Restaurants, this book has a lot of great recipes. Even though it was published so long ago, when they were just about the only major player in the vegetarian game, it is worth checking out, especially if you enjoyed the other Moosewood Restaurant Cookbooks.

[Shelby Cohen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has the green goddess dressing recipe in it, which is really all you need.

[7jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is of fast and easy recipes for dinners, 150+ recipes, seafood and vegetarian. No pictures. Each recipe comes with times to make it, what other recipes can be combined with it, tips, nutrition information, and sometimes ideas of making a recipe vegan.

At the end is a pantry list, ingredients guide (some food brands are named), preparation and techniques guide, how to use fresh bergs, some menu plans with ways to get the timing right, recipes listed for some needs (nondairy/vegan, when you have guests, kid-friendly ones, for buffets, very quick ones). Some traditional recipes have been simplified and made healthier.

Each group of recipes comes with their own introduction. I like that the instruction are kept nice and short. In this book ketchup is called catsup (I admit, I was a little puzzled at first lol), and in a lentil recipes, it’s ‘dahl’, not ‘d(h)al’. The availability information is as it was in 1994, I guess, so keep that in mind if you are American.

Some favorites: Black bean soup, Mexican tomato lime soup, North African cauliflower soup, Spicy peanut dip, Corn scones, Curried cauliflower, Mexican seitan, Sesame spinach, Mediterranean lentil salad, Udon noodles and vegetables, North African couscous paella, Broiled polenta with mushroom and cheese, Caribbean black beans, Honolulu skillet beans, African pineapple peanut stew, Peruvian quinoa stew, Mushrooms with Chinese black bean sauce, Seitan-green bean curry, Tofu burritos, Chèvre and red peppers omelet.

If I look at the number of recipe pages I noted up as being appealing – one method I use to see if a cookbook is worth keeping – this book is well worth keeping, even without having any pictures that might’ve shown how delicious the meals are. The recipes are laid nice, big, and clear, and the menu ideas next the recipes and at the end give nice suggestions. Looking plain, but worth it.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home (1994) includes over 250 unpretentious and easy-to-follow recipes.

This cookbook offers predominantly vegetarian recipes, with some fish/seafood options. Nutritional information was provided for most dishes. Although no food photos were included, which is in keeping with the style of the book, I usually find recipe photos helpful and motivating. All recipes can be made in 45 minutes or less.

I have tried three recipes from this book: Greek Fish in a Packet, Muffin Madness (apple version), and Fudge Brownies. Each recipe used minimal, simple ingredients, was easy to prepare and could be made in under 40 minutes. The muffins were quite basic, but I loved the other two dishes and have already made the fish a second time.

I am desperately trying to downsize the number of cookbooks that I own (amongst other things)! Thus, I predominantly borrow cookbooks from our local library or read recipes online. I temporarily borrowed my current copy of this cookbook from a friend. Despite all of the above, I plan to purchase my own copy of one of the Moosewood cookbooks. That alone speaks volumes!

4.5 Stars -- truly a classic!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably more 4.5 stars.

I've become spoiled by looking at more modern cookbooks with gorgeous food photography, but this is a great cookbook. Everything seems easy to make, and none of the ingredients are anything I would have trouble finding. I also appreciate that all the recipes have a pretty quick prep time. The instructions are simple and easy to follow, and the tone is friendly.

The back of the book has some surprise sections: a pantry list that suggests staples; an ingredient guide that explains what everything in the book is if you aren't sure or want guidance in picking something; preparation and techniques, which I really appreciated as a beginning cook!; and menu planning.

Also, note that there is a fish chapter, but everything else is strictly vegetarian. There's a list in the back to help you find the vegan options.

As always, will update once I try some of the recipes.

[Shana Market · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just a basic "go to" book. You won't get flashy colored pictures, but you will get a tried and true cookbook of healthy, vegetarian meals. The recipes are not "fast", as preparing vegetables takes time, but they are delicious. This is a must have for your cookbook collection.

[Mayaluna · Rating 5 out of 5]

These recipes are fast and easy! Love it.

[Sarah Rigg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a present and it's probably the cookbook I use most often. Great for vegetarians or "flexatirians".

[Dasi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several of the recipes didn't have enough spices. And I wouldn't call these "fast" - vegetable prep is never fast. My overall impression from the handful of recipes I tried was: large quantities of somewhat bland meals. Still, I like to have this on the shelf as a reference for vegetarian recipes.

[Debra Giusto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good and easy recipes. Love the cookbooks!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic menus from a variety of different countries.

[Edie Walls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this made me hungry. I like that there are sample menus and quick food tips in the back - very helpful.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the subtitle says, the recipes in this book are ones that don’t take a lot of effort.

[Ms.soule · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, every recipe we've tried from this cookbook has been great enough to add to our Family Favorites collection.

Caribbean Yellow Rice & Peas - very good.

Dilly Beans - excellent.

Carrot & Parsley Salad - delicious.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this on my shelf for two years and it took lockdown to get me to crack it open.

Favorites:

Greek Pasta Salad
Cajun Skillet Beans with Cheese Grits
Lemon Date Bars
Coffee Ricotta Mousse

I've already made these several times and they will be in my regular rotation for years to come. Delicious, quick, and vegetarian. There are no photos, but they are not missed. The ingredients are common and generally inexpensive. There are no advanced techniques and every recipe should be well within the capabilities of a home cook.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first cookbook, which I used primarily when I was a "pescetarian" (I ate the average vegetarian diet with occasional fish). The book is all vegetarian plus one chapter with a few simple fish recipes (I used the fish-in-a-packet recipe often when I still ate fish). Like most of the Moosewood cookbooks, the recipes are gleaned from around the world, and offer a wide variety of flavors. There is some good basic preparation information on different ingredient families (such as a few good methods for preparing dried beans). This book is well-worn. The presentation and organization shows that a mostly vegetarian diet does not have to rely on packaged meat-analogs, or a traditionally western arrangement of ingredients. The ingredients in these recipes are whole, fresh, and un-processed - this is easy cooking from scratch.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just got this for Christmas, and have made several recipes already. Most of them I would definitely make again. One of the best things about this book is that every recipe can be made in 45 minutes or less. Recipes are inspired from cuisines around the world, so there is plenty of variety. But ingredients are still easy to find and not super weird. And, if you are into food presentation, these recipes look as beautiful as they taste.

The one thing I don't like is that most recipes say "salt to taste." I wish they would at least suggest an amount because the right amount of salt can be the difference between an ok meal and a delicious meal, especially for vegetarian dishes. And I'm having a hard time getting the right amount in before dinner starts.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, simple fresh food. Everyday recipes that can be made quickly from things that you might actually have in your fridge or cupboard already. A good reference section with ingredient definitions and clear instructions for roasting, how to cook grains and other good advice. I usually cook without recipes, but when I get in a rut, this is the cookbook I look to for a quick fix. I reach for this cookbook more often than any other. These may not be the meals that wow you, but they are a reliable reminder of the joy to be had from good healthy food. The Sweet Potato Quesadillas always impress, and the Sicilian Seafood Stew is perfect for a special cold-weather meal.

[Kate HoboBelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this cookbook. Some of the recipes are so-easy-it's-mindless, but the foods they produce are so very satisfying. And, hey, at the end of the day sometimes it's nice not to think. The Tomato Lime Soup and the Greek Fish in a Packet alone make the book worth it. Not every recipe has been a hit in my home, but so very many of them have become instant favorites that this is easily the book I turn too the most often. Moosewood Cooks at Home is a godsend at the end of a busy hectic day when all I want is to eat a healthy meal that warms from the inside.
Must try:
Tomato Lime Soup
Greek Fish in a Packet
All of the Kale recipes

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be the most important book in our kitchen. When I was getting ready for my dissertation research -- three months in the Amazon without my sweetheart -- we already had the "regular" Moosewood. We liked it, but also knew that most of its recipes were a bit of work. Pam wanted to eat well while I was gone, but we needed something convenient enough for a cooking-for-one lifestyle.

This was just the ticket -- great, simple recipes for anyone who would like to have healthy meals on a weeknight.

[Suzzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice beginners cookbook for quasi-vegetarians. I really have issues with fish recipes in veg cookbooks (fish are not plants last time I checked). But that is more of a personal problem.

The brownie recipe is worth the price of the book, but most of the other recipes are basic things you could figure out yourself if you have been cooking for awhile.

So, feel free to get this if you are just starting out as a cook or veg. Otherwise....meh.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great meals that are healthy and easy.

This book has defined my cooking repertoire for the last couple of years. I'm not a vegetarian, but my wife and I have found that vegetarian cookbooks tend to fit our tastes better than more conventional cookbooks.

My favorite recipe from this book:
North African Couscous Paella
I love to cook it for other people because it is easy, impossible to mess up and has a great presentation and everyone loves it.

[Kecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found it at the Book Fair this weekend for $3.00! I love all things Moosewood so I was really happy with this find. First page I opened to was Mushrooms marinated in Lemon Sauce. I had some mushrooms and a lemon in the fridge...so as soon as I got home from the book fair I whipped out a delicious treat in about 10 minutes. Like my other Moosewood cookbooks - this one will get a good workout in my kitchen for years to come.

I'm planning to try the African peanut/pinepple stew next.

[David McCormick · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has been hit-or-miss with me. I bought it because it won the Beard award but some of the recipes have been very disappointing. Bewildering, in fact. So great was my faith in this book that I followed their recipe for pad thai and actually added ketchup. Disgusting! Who has ever heard of such a thing? Even the recipes I like are really no more than simple, competent recipes like the ones found on any good recipe site or food blog.

[Debbie Boots · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are delicious and primarily one pot meals. The binding sucks so take it to a print shop that can cut the spine and insert a spiral for you. You want a cookbook to lay flat! Seriously - I've made most of the recipes in this book. It's what I give as a gift to folks who are just starting out and express an interest in the food I serve them. Easy to follow - best of the Moosewood collection.

[Kate Squires · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is probably my absolute favorite cookbook. it's one that i grew up with in my parents' kitchen. it's all vegetarian recipes, but you could easily adapt them for meat-eaters. i've had friends who've sworn they hate vegetarian food & have loved dishes i've made from this book. i HIGHLY recommend this one!!!
i suggest trying the couscous, artichoke, & walnut salad (pg 126) :)