The Vegetarian Silver Spoon

More than 200 delicious classic and contemporary Italian vegetarian recipes from the acclaimed Silver Spoon kitchen

The latest title to join Phaidon’s Silver Spoon library features more than 200 recipes for Italian vegetarian dishes, with a particular emphasis on healthy meat-free options for appetizers, main dishes, salads, sides, and desserts. Recipes range from classic dishes that are traditionally vegetarian to contemporary dishes that introduce ingredients borrowed from outside Italy’s culinary culture. The book is easy to navigate, thanks to its recipe icons, while gorgeous specially commissioned photographs bring its delicious dishes to life.

Editorial Reviews

05/04/2020

As the introduction to this wide-ranging if shaggy compendium notes, „Italian cuisine has a rich tradition of vegetable dishes.“ The editors consciously aim far beyond the Italian canon, however, and include everything from a hearty hemp-flour loaf to a bok choy and tofu stir-fry. The result is a serviceable collection with sparks of genius (a cold bread soup brilliantly colored with beets, and fried yeast-risen turnovers filled with onions, capers, and olives) and the occasional dish with a 1970s „health food“ feel, like a basmati rice pilaf with wheat germ and bean sprouts. Each chapter (dedicated to snacks, salads, savory tarts and pastries, etc.) begins with a chatty introduction and a smattering of ideas, such as including a crunchy element in salads, and a list of ingredients to stock. A chapter on pasta, dumplings, and pancakes is predictably a standout with such selections as kamut-flour gnocchi with a puree of fresh fava beans, and chestnut-flour lasagna with squash and kale. Gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free recipes are marked, and the authors include variations on a number of classic dishes (a vegan alternative to the orange cake, for instance, uses almond milk). This is a solid offering, but one that feels like it is in search of a theme. (Apr.)
– Publishers Weekly

‘Appealing.’ – WIRED

‘No one does a family gathering quite like the Italians, so take inspiration from their seasonal, veg-packed cuisine.’ – Vegetarian Living

‘The writing is clear, the photos inviting, and above all, the sheer breadth of tasty-sounding dishes encyclopedic enough that any level of cook can find something to make. For fans of Italian cuisine, it’s impossible to flip through the pages without salivating, vegetarian or not.’ – Eater

‘Great options for home cooks.’ – Library Journal Reviews

‘This cookbook is ready to make you feel like you’re on an Italian vacation.’ -; StyleCaster

‘In line with an increased interest in plant-based eating, [The Vegetarian Silver Spoon] feels new while simultaneously tapping into a wealth of time-honoured Italian dishes built on grains, legumes and vegetables.’ – National Post
– From the Publisher

06/01/2020

Featuring more than 200 vegetarian recipes based on Italian classics, The Vegetarian Silver Spoon marries tradition with contemporary influences to present an array of meat-free options. Sections include Snacks & Small Plates; Breads & Pizzas; Salads & Vegetable Sides; Soups & Stews; Pasta, Dumplings & Crepes; Tarts & Pastries; Grains, Gratins, and Stuffed Vegetables; and Sweets & Desserts. In addition to vegetable and pasta dishes, recipes center on grains, legumes, and tubers, while integrating vegetarian staples such as tofu and seitan. Recipes include options such as basic bread dough (for pizza), carrot and paprika soup, eggplant-tomato strudel, and mango-papaya tiramisu. Icons make it easy to identify dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options, as well as recipes that take 30 minutes or less, and use five ingredients or fewer, while a set of handy lists makes it easy to identify recipes by meal, dietary needs, and more. VERDICT While the recipes are intended to serve as stand-alone meals, many seem more suited to serve as sides rather than mains. Great options for home cooks looking to impress at a weekend dinner or potluck, but maybe not a weeknight meal.–Gricel Dominguez, Florida International Univ. Lib., Miami
– Library Journal