Book Reviews
Korean Vegan Cookbook
by Joanne Lee Molinaro
Joanne Lee Molinaro first cultivated her rise to fame in July 2020 when she began posting 60-second cooking clips on TikTok. In The Korean Vegan Cookbook, Molinaro shares 80 diverse recipes. She takes readers along the ride learning about her family history, upbringing, and experiences that ultimately led to this cookbook being more than just a collection of recipes.
Each of the nine sections is filled with memories that were cultivated through years of hardship. Yet, they're also filled with creative and helpful tips, such as recommendations for vegan brands and how to treat and pick certain vegetables that may be exotic to people who aren't familiar with Korean cuisine.
In the mood for a versatile side dish? Try the tofu cakes oozing with a peppery taste that are a great addition to rice, noodles, or beans. Big fan of potatoes? You have to try Molinaro's famous braised potatoes that are so soft, with hints of maple and jalapeños with every bite. It's the best combination of sweet and spicy.
Glass noodles are a staple in Korean cuisine, and Molinaro's recipe did not disappoint. As someone who had never cooked with glass noodles, I was a little hesitant, but they added so much excitement to the cooking process. With Molinaro's recommendation, I used my hands to mix the noodles with the plethora of vegetables.
Lastly, Molinaro's creativity with sweet food is impeccable. My recommendation: chocolate chip paht cookies. They're the type that have a hard exterior but are soft and gooey on the inside.
The Korean Vegan Cookbook is a must have for sure. Korean cuisine tends to be meat heavy, but Joanne Lee Molinaro proves, yet again, how versatile the vegan diet is. Most importantly, she shares the importance of collecting and chronicling people's stories and recipes.
The Korean Vegan Cookbook (ISBN: 978-0593084274) is a 336-page book. It is published by Penguin Publishing Group and retails for $24.24. Order this book online or at your local bookstore. Nadely Requena/VRG Intern
Plant-Based India
by Dr. Sheil Shukla
This vegan cookbook serves up 100 Indian recipes alongside stunning photos. In the introduction the author states how he came to write this book: "I majored in molecular biology in college, but I also studied graphic design, because I had been drawn to the fine arts since childhood. My passion for both science and fine arts is what drew me to a career as a physician; I saw these disciplines work in harmony in the medical field. I appreciate this even more as a physician practicing internal medicine, since treating patients isn't always an exact science."
You'll find a wide variety of dishes in this book, including Crispy Masala Dosa Rolls, Sweet Corn Soup, Chana Masala, Dal, Butternut Squash and Mushroom Biryani, Naan, Cardamom Coffee Cake, Date Chutney, Lassi, Chai, and so much more. Also learn how to make a variety of spice blends.
Plant-Based India (ISBN: 978-1-6151-9853-5) is a 256-page book. It is published by The Experiment and retails for $30. Order this book online or at your local bookstore. Debra Wasserman/VRG Co-Coordinator
Easy Plant-Based Cooking for Two
by Lei Shishak
Lei Shishak received her culinary training at the Culinary Institute of New York. This cookbook offers 80 creative vegan recipes serving two people, along with shopping tips. The gorgeous photos will inspire you to prepare dishes such as Apple Oatcakes, Rosemary Rye Crackers, Garlic Naans, Thai Chopped Salad, Empanadas, Mushroom Risotto, Vegetable Dumplings, Chocolate Layer Cake, and Caramel Bread Puddings.
Easy Plant-Based Cooking for Two (ISBN: 978-1-5107-7208-3) is a 232-page book. It is published by Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., and retails for $26.99. Debra Wasserman/ VRG Co-Coordinator
