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The Modern Vegetarian: Food Adventures for the Contemporary Palate
Over 120 sumptuous recipes full of sensational flavors, colors, and textures that will stop you in your tracks. With chapters divided into Stylish Starters, Sensational Mains, Sofa Suppers, Sassy Sides, Simple Staples and Stunningly Sweet, this is truly a vegetarian adventure.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 7, 2019
One of the better vegetarian cookbooks that I came across in ages! In fact it's so good that I ended up buying it :)
Written by a professional chef, full of interesting recipes, foolproof, dishes that are easy to put together. Don't be put off by recipes that might look "advanced" and time consuming, as that's not the case here. Yes, there will be those more complicated dishes, but aren't they in every cookbook?
In my opinion this is an everyday cookbook, for those who want to cut out on meat consumption, but also for those who are well on the way of doing that. There are some fresh and new takes on dishes and vegetables, many interesting flavour combos and ideas.
The fact that Maria Elia IS a professional chef means that the recipes were well tried and tested. It also pretty much guarantees, that as long as you follow the instructions (which are clear, easy to follow and no "chef's jargon" present ;) ) you'll end up with a delicious plate of food in front of you!
Written by a professional chef, full of interesting recipes, foolproof, dishes that are easy to put together. Don't be put off by recipes that might look "advanced" and time consuming, as that's not the case here. Yes, there will be those more complicated dishes, but aren't they in every cookbook?
In my opinion this is an everyday cookbook, for those who want to cut out on meat consumption, but also for those who are well on the way of doing that. There are some fresh and new takes on dishes and vegetables, many interesting flavour combos and ideas.
The fact that Maria Elia IS a professional chef means that the recipes were well tried and tested. It also pretty much guarantees, that as long as you follow the instructions (which are clear, easy to follow and no "chef's jargon" present ;) ) you'll end up with a delicious plate of food in front of you!
August 29, 2020
Purchase The Modern Vegetarian here for just $15!
What a beautiful book to both look at and cook from. Even though I’m not vegetarian, I try to have 2 meatless meals a week that go beyond eggs on toast and this book definitely helps. With Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, this cookbook is on top of the pile.
Alicia, The Book Grocer
What a beautiful book to both look at and cook from. Even though I’m not vegetarian, I try to have 2 meatless meals a week that go beyond eggs on toast and this book definitely helps. With Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, this cookbook is on top of the pile.
Alicia, The Book Grocer
October 4, 2020
Watermelon Gazpacho in Thai Style
Lemongrass and Sweetcorn Soup with Creme Fraiche
Mushroom, Beetroot, Mozzarella with a Lentil Cartouche
Griddled Radicchio and Strawberry Risotto
get this
butter - olive oil - shallots
arborio/carnaroli rice - white wine - vegetable stock
mascarpone - lemon juice - Parmesan
strawberries - chives
sea salt - pepper
February 8, 2025
I didn’t realize this book was from 2009 when I borrowed it from the library and it’s amazing how the trends in vegetarian cooking have changed. Not a single mention of kale in this book. Ultimately, the recipes required too many specialty ingredients for me to bookmark a single one.
June 17, 2025
Beautiful photography and gorgeous recipes. It's hard to believe that the first print was in 2009 because the recipes don't feel outdated at all. One of the loveliest cookbooks I've ever read.
February 28, 2010
Borrowed from the library and am strongly thinking about buying it - while not a tome as from Bittman or Madison, it has a nice spin on spices and veggie meals. Slightly more sophisticated entrees that I would be excited to serve for dinner guests. Not terribly vegan friendly but a Roquefort and Pecan Creme Brulee ain't for everybody....
Updated to add: finally made a recipe tonight and it was AMAZING - carrot pancakes with carrot hummus and salad w/ goat cheese - does sound that good does it? But little things like the fennel seed in the pancakes lifted it up to AMAZING. I will be buying it now (also, this recipe was vegan w/out the cheese on the salad, and the husband who does not normally love the vegan ate every little scrap)
Updated to add: finally made a recipe tonight and it was AMAZING - carrot pancakes with carrot hummus and salad w/ goat cheese - does sound that good does it? But little things like the fennel seed in the pancakes lifted it up to AMAZING. I will be buying it now (also, this recipe was vegan w/out the cheese on the salad, and the husband who does not normally love the vegan ate every little scrap)
July 26, 2016
Found this at the library and instantly fell in love. Has a lot of great tasting vegetarian recipes that I've made multiple times. Will be going on my shelf once I find a copy, my favorite recipe has to be the chile-roasted feta on watermelon. However I realise this cookbook isn't for everyone. It involves a lot of different ingredients that you may or may not be able to find which can be frustrating, and it also has detailed recipes that are discouraging for someone who doesn't enjoy cooking.
If you're vegetarian and looking for new meals ideas or just enjoy cooking in general this is the book for you, if not you may want to find something else.
If you're vegetarian and looking for new meals ideas or just enjoy cooking in general this is the book for you, if not you may want to find something else.
February 6, 2011
The pictures are lovely but the recipes are beyond me. I'm a beginner in the kitchen, with very little time. This was definitely not a cookbook for folks like me.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews