Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Vive Le Vegan!

Vive Le Vegan! by Dreena Burton is definitely my favourite cookbook. I’ve nowhere near made everything from the book, but everything that I have made is a winner! Plus Dreena has her own blog and is always happy to answer any queries you might have about her recipes.
Here are some things from the book I have made recently.
This is Chickpea Ratatouille. Dreena mentions in the book that this is her personal favourite, and it’s definitely become one of mine too! It’s a super simple and tasty dish...everything is mixed together then thrown in the oven for an hour or so. Unlike traditional ratatouille there’s no aubergine (eggplant) or courgettes (zucchini) instead the main ingredient is chickpeas mixed with an unusual combination of flavours including ginger, mustard seeds and oregano. Although it seems like a strange mix it works so well! Great with some quinoa!
Here’s some Tomato-Lentil Pasta Sauce over brown rice pasta. This really reminded me of Bolognese sauce and it is just as tasty. I sprinkled some nutritional yeast over after the photo and it was so good! I went and looked this one up in the book after reading about it on Laura’s blog...so thanks Laura!
And this is Pureed Chickpea Pasta Sauce with Fresh Herbs that Diann also blogged about the other day. I really enjoyed it...it doesn’t seem like it’s made of chickpeas as it’s very creamy and different. We had it with rice noodles and broccoli. The fresh lemon squeezed over the top really complemented the flavour of the sauce (and the broccoli!). Wee G was not crazy about it so I don’t think it’s going to be a regular in this house. Ah well...

I’ve also made and blogged about Hummus-Quinoa Casserole, French Toast, Sunflower-Lentil Pie, Homestyle Chocolate Chip Cookies , Lemon Herb Tofu, Earthy Lentil Soup, Spicy Peanut Stir Fry, Fudgy Brownies , Pumpkin Seed Coated Lentil Patties, Moroccan Chickpea Patties. So if you’re looking for a new cookbook (and haven’t already got Vive!) and want simple, tasty and different recipes then I would definitely recommend Vive! (and no, I’m not on commission!!).

12 comments:

laura k said...

I share your sentiments about this cookbook--it can't be beaten. The chickpea ratatouille is incredible, isn't it? I also noticed the chickpea pasta sauce on Diann's blog--thanks for reminding me to look that one up!

laura k said...

I share your sentiments about this cookbook--it can't be beaten. The chickpea ratatouille is incredible, isn't it? I also noticed the chickpea pasta sauce on Diann's blog--thanks for reminding me to look that one up!

Carrie™ said...

I have both of Dreena's books and just love them too!I have yet to make the chickpea ratatouille and the sunflower lentil pie, but they are on my hit list. The lentil pasta sauce was just divine. I sprinkled mine with hemp seed nuts. That was a really nice addition. And the chocolate chip cookies!! Incredible!

Dreena said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dreena said...

whoops, slipped on that 1st try!

Anyhow, can I just say you brightened my day! ((hugs)) I haven't been reading blogs much the last few weeks (with finishing my manuscript), but Google Blog Alert was kind enough to notify my of this post. Earlier in the day, I read a deflating review on Amazon. Usually I try to shrug these things off, but at times they still get to me. Your post was very timely, and it means a lot to know that you (and others) enjoy my recipes so much. Thank you.

vko said...

It all looks gorgeous and good for you- I am going to put it on my wishlist!

urban vegan said...

isn't Dreena great? I love her cookbooks--and she's such a sweet person.

aTxVegn said...

I didn't realize the ratatouille didn't have eggplant. I don't like eggplant, so now I can make that recipe too. I think the lentil pasta sauce is my favorite recipe. Everything I've made from Dreena's book has been great!

Vicki's Vegan Vice said...

Great post, and I'm with you! If you don't already have it, The Everyday Vegan is also wonderful -- and we're all holding our breath for Eat, Drink, & Be Vegan! In Vive, my favorites are: Cannellini Bean Yam Hummus, Quinoa Spring Salad, Earthy Lentil Soup, & Double Chocolate Almond Explosion Cookies!

scottishvegan said...

laura, you should definitely try the chickpea pasta sauce!

Carrie, I’ve never tried hemp seeds as I’ve never seen them anywhere to buy, but if I do I’ll make sure that I try them on that pasta!

Dreena, I’m so glad that I could brighten up your day! You should just ignore that bad review…they obviously have no taste! ;) And I’m glad you mentioned Google Alerts as I’d never heard of them before and now I’ve set up quite a few!

vko, hope you get your wish ;)

Urban Vegan, yes Dreena is a sweetie!

aTxVegn, hope you like the ratatouille, it is so yummy!

Vicki, I haven’t got The Everyday Vegan. I promised my hubby I wouldn’t buy any more books for a while, but it’s definitely on my list! And I can’t wait for the new one too!

bazu said...

Yum and yum. I love Dreena's recipes and all your dishes look so colorful and delicious!

KleoPatra said...

Great stuff. Dreena's stuff is amazing... and you did her proud!