Vegetarian Classics: 300 Essential and Easy Recipes for Every Meal

by Jeanne Lemlin

Jeanne Lemlin sets the standard for accessible and appealing vegetarian cooking. Vegetarian Classics is Jeanne's most useful and comprehensive book to an essential collection of 300 no-fail recipes for soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas, pizzas, calzones, casseroles, stir-fries, stove-top dishes, sides, snacks, desserts, and breakfasts. Each recipe is deeply satisfying and surprisingly simple, reflecting Jeanne's trademark dedication to uncomplicated techniques and unparalleled flavor.

Genres: Cookbooks, Food, Cooking, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published May 8, 2001

Reviews

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this from the library because I was getting pretty desperate for new vegetarian recipes. Since I am a vegetarian who doesn't really like meat substitutes OR seitan, tofu, or any of that other stuff that is supposed to have protein and simulate meatiness, I am pretty sick of so many veg. books having whole sections devoted to those items. Or so many recipes containing them.

This book ROCKS if you are veg. Or even if you eat meat. You could still use some innovative side dishes, couldn't you? The first one I tried was kale soup. Now, I hate braised greens, wilted greens, etc. IT WAS SO GOOD. I made a huge pot of kale soup and ate it all! Then I tried mushroom barley bake. Also excellent. The chili-cheese polenta bake was so good I gave the recipe to about ten people. And don't even get me started on BEER PIZZA DOUGH. You can throw it together with nothing more than flour, baking soda, beer, and whatever toppings you have on hand. EASY and cheap! Plus, Lemlin had this ingenious idea to carmelize onions, mix them with chopped toasted walnuts, and use it for a pizza topping/sauce, then dollop chunks of chevre on top. I have never had such a delicious pizza and I worked at the pizza shop for 2 years so I've tried just about any pizza you can imagine.

I renewed this from the library 3 times, decided it would be too much work to write or type all the recipes I wanted to try or already loved, and found a copy on half.com for under $10. I am anxiously awaiting its arrival and I already know it is well worth the money.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great vegetarian cookbook for hearty, mainstream meals, and I mean that in the best way possible. The recipes employ cheese, pasta, breads and are generally stick-to-your-ribs style. This is actually great for serving vegetarian meals to non-vegetarians or for vegetarians who want to eat classic-style food. I used it for years. My copy is well-worn and I don't think there's a recipe I tried that I didn't like.

- easy to find ingredients
- well-written, easy to follow recipes
- balanced flavors (I rarely had to adjust seasoning, beyond the ubiquitous and maddening "salt to taste" instruction so common these days)

I don't use this book anymore (I'm on the autoimmune protocol) so even though I'd like to list several recipes I can only think of one at the moment: the curry. It's got a perfect blend of spices and actually, I still make it on AIP with a few slight modifications. But everything in it is good.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cookbook has a nice, wide range of recipes and I've enjoyed all the ones I've made from it. I would have given this cookbook another star if not for Lemlin's awkward way of writing recipes; I find that I have to carefully read through a recipe before I start making it to be sure I do it correctly, as she tends to write things in (what to me is) a strange order.

[Jennifer Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best Vegetarian Cookbook ever!!! She uses real foods like butter, cheese and cream. This book makes you never want to eat meat again. I highly recommend this book to moms looking for quick healthy meals and anyone who thinks vegetarian food is boring. This book will change your mind.

[Mara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An indispensable cookbook. I've had it for years and still use it multiple times a week. Great for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

[Redheadjen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Jen for turning me on to this cook book! Everything I have made from it is excellent and a keeper in the rotation!

[Heathere Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite cookbook of all time.