VeganMoFo 2011 #17: 'The Vegan Gourmet'

The Gourmet Vegan
Susann Geiskopf-Hadler and Mindy Toomay, Three Rivers Press, 1999



This book is written by the same people who wrote The Complete Vegan Cookbook, which I reviewed earlier this MoFo. This book is smaller in size, but is still packed full or beautiful, fresh recipes. A few of the recipes are the same as in the original book, and indeed the cover art is from the same photo too! But this is a lovely book in its own right.

It is paperback, with no photos. Chapters include Appetizers, Salads, Soups and Stews, Side Dish Vegetables, Pasta Dishes, Grain Dishes, Sautes and Stir-Fries, Entrees from the Oven, Morning Meals, and Sandwiches and Wraps. There is no baking or desserts section. The book also includes recommended menus (yay!), a glossary of special ingredients, a list of almost instant recipes, suggestions for further reading and an international conversion chart.

Braised Turnips with Chives and Parsley


This may seem like an unlikely five star dish, but it is absolutely delicious. The turnips become so soft and melty-in-your-mouth, and the herbs and seasonings just make this fantastic.

Hearty Sicilian Supper Menu


The above recipe is part of an amazing recommended menu. Also on the plate are Bucatini with Green Beans, Tomatoes, and Olives as well as Mushroom, Radish, and Celery Salad with Lemon and Garlic.

Simple Spaghetti Sicilian-Style


This recipe is ridiculously easy but very good. It makes a great pasta side when you want something with a bit of extra flavour. Red pepper flakes make it a little spicy.

Vermicelli with Curried Eggplant and Chard in Ginger Tomato Sauce


This is a great flavour combination. I used rice vermicelli noodles here, rather than wheat vermicelli. While delicious, I did not find this very filling.

Beets and Greens with Bulgur and Miso Tahini Sauce


This was my first time using beet greens, but it certainly hasn't been my last. It is a beautiful dish, that you will be happy to place on your table. The tahini sauce is fantastic, and is just the thing to go with the sweetness of the beetroot.

Stir-Fry of Cauliflower, Tomatoes, Orange, and Basil


If this photo looks familiar, it is because this recipe also comes from The Complete Vegan Cookbook!

Curried Eggplant and Garbanzo Patties


These are delicate patties that need to be handled with care, as they will fall apart easily. They are very yummy, though. They are great served in sandwiches or burgers with mango chutney, tomato and lettuce.


These burgers are also amazing served with the bulgur, beetroot and tahini dish. Yum!

Do you like to follow menu and serving suggestions from cookbooks?

Cute Kitty Photo of the Post


This is Prince, who was also a clinic cat. Prince started life as a street cat in Singapore, before being rescued and brought back to Australia by his mum. Many years later, when his mother ended up moving back to Singapore, Prince came to live with us as he had a few too many health issues for the trip - though his mum would come and visit everytime she was back in the country! She loved her Prince. Prince became sick over Christmas last year, and at that time one of our nurses took him home as he needed full time care. He would come into the clinic with her everyday in his papoose, and wander around. Unfortuately earlier this year, Princes health problems became too great for him, and he is now in the kitty skies up above. We love you and miss you Prince!