Radhi Devlukia-Shetty

This is the second vegan cookbook I’ve read in a row that didn’t work for me. I do think the recipes in this one are better, overall.

This book has a lot of autobiography and a lot of spirituality/religion. The author has a Ayurvedic Health Counselor 1 degree. She is also listed as a clinical dietician, nutritionist, and always learning cook. She has a strict life regimen that is described in detail. The food ingredients and the reasoning behind them are also explained.

I was not that interested in the Ayurveda specific portions but I enjoyed reading about her life and her family. I appreciated that some of the recipes in the book were created by several of her family members. If I had known the book was a philosophy book I might have skipped it. I’m trying to read fewer vegan cookbooks. This book has a long queue at my public library but I was able to renew my copy a few times. I guess they have a lot of copies, or maybe there was a glitch. Either way I’m glad I had the time to read it before having to return it.

Most of the recipes I’d want to tweak. I wouldn’t have to add garlic and onion but I like them so I might. For me there is too much full fat coconut milk, too much coconut sugar and other sweeteners in savory dishes but there were several recipes I found intriguing and several I think I’d enjoy as they are written.

I loved the idea of the French Toast Casserole. The buckwheat pancakes looked good. I appreciated the creative and healthy options for the Rainbow Grain Bowl recipe; it’s a great reference. I was fascinated with the Magic Protein “Paneer” recipe and got a kick out of how it came to be through serendipity, though I don’t think I’d like it. I never liked paneer. The Spicy Bean Burgers looked delicious, as does the Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts with Chickpea Flour Curry.

There are many photos of the food and also photos of the author and her family members and her living spaces.

It’s a gorgeous and well-designed book.

Contents:

Introduction: The JoyFull Kitchen
Your Invitation to Ayurvega
Easing In
Liquid Love (Drinks)
Awakening the Fire (Breakfast)
Grounding Grains - Prayers
LBPCs (Lentils, Beans, Proteins, and Curries) – Kitchari Reset
Bread is Life
Bowls of Abundance (Salads) – Tuning in with Your Breath
Hero Veg – Eating with your Senses
Sun to Moon Soups
Feeling Saucy (Condiments, Dips, and Crunchy Bits)
– My Mindful and Relaxing AAAAH Evening Routine
Sweet Treats
Appendix: Spice Up Your Life
Index

2-1/2 stars, my personal rating reflecting my enjoyment level and the use I got out of it, but I can see this being rated as a 5 or 4 star book by many.… (más)