1000 Vegan Recipes : A Sampling

1000 Vegan Recipes is a huge and wonderful book. You've probably already heard about it but what you might not know is that I was fortunate to be a tester for it. It's the latest from Robin Robertson and let me tempt you with some photos.

Spaghetti and T-Balls

Always a favorite, this version is a winner. Pair it with a glass (or 2) of wine and you've got the perfect 'stay-in' date night.

Fettuccini with Chard and Red Lentil Tomato Sauce

Look at the garlic in this one! We flipped over this sauce. It's got great depth and some creative twists.

Keeping with the noodle theme, but totally different...

Indian Double Chickpea Noodles

These were comforting and delicious. And it's got chickpeas, one of my favorite beans!

Everyone knows I'm a fan of Asian cooking.

Korean Noodle Stir Fry

Sesame Spinach Noodle Pie

Singapore Noodles

Lettuce Wraps

This is the kind of lunch I'd love to have everyday-- so simple and so tasty!

Orzo, White Beans and Tomatoes with Lemony Spinach Pesto

This tasted even better than the name made it sound. With all those great Mediterranean flavors, you know it's incredible.

Jerk Spiced Chili

Just in time for chili season, check this one out. It's full of flavor.

Chinese Black Bean Chili

Or maybe this version is more to your taste. Both have that wonderful stick-to-your-ribs chili thing and fantastic flavor. When I hold my imaginary* holiday open house that would feature soups and chilis, I'd love to serve both these.

Oatmeal Walnut Bread (no nuts)

And of course, I'd serve breads. Besides this one with that great texture, I also made the Garlic Basil Bread, the Whole Wheat Raisin Bread, the Rustic Loaf with Cured Black Olives and Rosemary and the Fired Up Jalapeno Cornbread. As a carb-lover, I'd recommend any and all of them.

Foccacia with Sundried Tomatoes and Black Olives

Not only great tasting, but one of the easiest foccacias to make. We took this to an omni friend's house for 6 of us to enjoy. It was devoured.

Artichoke, Tomato and Red Pepper Relish

Ok, it might be called "Relish", but it was so good that we ate it with corn chips. And spoons.


Still not convinced? Here are a few more I tested but can't find the photos:

• Spicy Tempeh Empanadas
• Country Fried Tofu with Golden Gravy
• Couscous Chickpea Loaf
• Seitan and Scalloped Potato Casserole
• Ginger Seitan with Shiitakes and Snow Peas
• Tofu Stuffed with Mushrooms, Watecress and Tomatoes
• Green Tea Rice with Lemon Snow Peas and Tofu
• Fresh Spinach Lasagna
• Italian Truck Stop Risotto
• Panko-Fried Green Tomatoes with Tamari Peanut Sauce
• Black Bean and Corn Salad with Cilantro Dressing
• Leaf Lettuce and Grilled Radicchio Salad with Lemon Dressing
  
• Queso Dip

You get the idea. This book is jam-packed with recipes to suit whatever mood stikes you...and with so many to choose from, chances are there are loads of recipes you can make from what you already have on-hand.

Since photos speak louder than words, these are the latest things I've made from 1000 Vegan Recipes:

Tempeh Cacciatore

I've never met a Cacciatore I didn't like, but this one we loved.

Vietnamese Po'boy with Soy Tan Dream Cutlets

The photo isn't stellar, but it's a great sandwich! That's a bastardized version of the Asian Slaw in the back, too. The dressing is a knock-out. These cutlets are the easiest take on seitan on the planet, and they seem very adaptable.


Seitan with Ancho-Chili Sauce

This one may be my favorite so far. The sauce is smooth and full-flavored, but you can always up the seasonings if you prefer. It goes perfectly over the seitan

If you can't tell, this is one of those cookbooks you absolutely need. The diversity of recipes is amazing. Having come onboard for the testing late, I look forward trying loads of recipes. I can't wait to see what others make from it, because this is one of those that you just can't cook your way all the way through solo. However, there is a group blog trying to hit all the recipes. Check it out here.

For your own preview, check out the sample recipes posted by Robin at her blog. If you order 1000 Vegan Recipes from Amazon, why not do it through vegan.com?

Don't forget to enter the DVD contest. And we'd love to have you join Food Network Friday by cooking along with this recipe or choosing your own.

Only 5 more days of Vegan MoFo! Where has October gone?

*Every year I plan this open house and that's as far as it goes.