4.5
Customers say
Customers find the recipes in this book delicious and well-crafted. They appreciate the attention to detail and clear explanations throughout the book. The information content is praised as impressive and comprehensive, with an incredible array of vegan meals. Readers enjoy the detailed ingredient descriptions and substitutions. The photography is also highly praised, with beautiful photos with each recipe.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
The instant New York Times bestseller
Named a Best Cookbook of 2024 by NPR, VegNews, and The Portland Press Herald
A groundbreaking and comprehensive “vegan flavor bible”—with 150 must-make recipes—from the wildly popular home cook and creator behind Rainbow Plant Life
With more than two million devoted fans online, Nisha Vora has become the trusted source for exceptional vegan recipes for the home cook. That’s because of her “flavor first” philosophy. It’s an approach she’s honed nearly a decade creating plant-based dishes that just plain taste amazing, labels aside. Now she’s created an essential, comprehensive guide that codifies the principles of plant-based cooking for the first time, from how to coax the most out of your ingredients and how to understand essential flavor pairings, to how to achieve impossible-to-resist, must-have-more textures and embrace the myriad ways vegetables can be enjoyed: roasted, caramelized, braised, pampered in bold marinades and umami-rich sauces, and so much more.
As Nisha demonstrates in this groundbreaking book, the creative possibilities are endless thanks to the rich variety in the plant-based kingdom and the infinite and exciting ways there are to achieve big flavor.
This book illuminates not only the how, but the why of these fundamental principles so that anyone can boost their confidence and reach their full, plant-savvy potential in the kitchen—whether they like to rotate in a few veggie meals a week, or they are experienced home cooks looking for next-level, wow-worthy meals. With more than 150 globally-inspired recipes, easy “flavor boosters” that add depth or pop to all kinds of dishes, simple swaps for whatever you’re craving or have on-hand, make ahead tips, and more, Big Vegan Flavor is packed with ideas and inspiration. Each recipe offers a quick tutorial: Dishes like Miso Butter-Seared King Oyster Scallops will teach you how to brine plants until perfectly tender. Chai-Spiced Custard Tart with Mango will open your eyes to the power of a good spice blend and a sweet-tangy, creamy-crunchy dessert. Or use Nisha’s favorite protein, grains, and sauce recipes to create mix-and-match meals that always excite.
A timely and visionary cookbook, Big Vegan Flavor is destined to become a classic.
From the Publisher
Publisher : Avery; 1st edition (September 3, 2024)
Language : English
Hardcover : 608 pages
ISBN-10 : 0593328930
ISBN-13 : 978-0593328934
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 8.83 x 1.59 x 10.8 inches
LACC –
Stunning!
This really is a beautifully written and produced cookbook, and excels in every area, content, recipes, creativity, photos and so much more. It really is more encyclopedic than a regular cookbook and is a weighty tome. It is true that the introduction to ingredients etc. is 150 pages long, but this may also be a strength and not a weakness. This book is comprehensive, wonderfully creative and a wonderful asset to those entering the world of veganism. Even non vegans will find this very useful. Don’t be surprised, the title gives fair warning – BIG, yes it sure is! Vegan, definitely and full of Flavor. If this is what you want, this book is for you. If you don’t like big books, definitely do not buy this. If you want a less advance introduction to veganism look elsewhere. And yes, the flavor profile is creative and exciting but may not be for everyone’s taste. I do recommend without reservation to those who don’t mind its size, depth and breadth of material and outstanding flavor creativity.
TangoMango –
Excellent Cookbook
I am a very good home cook. I typically look at recipes online and use them as a “jumping off point” and flavor them how I think would be best, etc. I haven’t purchased a cookbook in almost 15 years because of the plethora of free recipes online. I chose to purchase Nisha’s cookbook because I knew, with her exceptional attention to detail and the tips and tricks she gives in every YouTube video as RainbowPlantLife, that this book would make me an even better cook. I was not wrong! This book goes into so much detail about ingredients, cooking methods, and her thought processes behind so much – it’s just a delight to actually READ the cookbook, let alone cook out of it. I particularly enjoyed the “Ode to … (Tofu, etc.)” sections in the book. And let’s not forget the photography in the book is incredibly beautiful. It’s almost a coffee table art book IMO. :)Yes, the book is BIG. Yes, it is VEGAN. Yes, it has FLAVOR – to the Nth degree, I might say! I just received the book on Tuesday, Sept. 3 (I pre-ordered a copy) – today is September 8 and I have already made 2 recipes out of it. Even my husband commented that this was a first – that I cooked 2 recipes out of a cookbook so soon after obtaining it. He’s right, of course, but that’s a nod to Nisha’s incredible recipes. I think you will thoroughly enjoy this book; however, keep in mind that it is BIG. It’s sizable and heavy. I had to clear a special spot in my kitchen today when I was making one of the recipes. That being said, I will probably purchase it in a digital version from Apple Books because I enjoy it so much and, frankly, it’s easier to use an iPad with a proper iPad cookbook stand than this book. As I mentioned above, it’s a beautiful book, so I’ll keep it on my coffee table and use the digital version in the kitchen.For those of you that are not “good” cooks to begin with, this book is chock full of tips tricks and explicit details for the recipes. You can’t go wrong with it.For those of you that already commented that it’s not how you would cook for a family – I don’t know your family, but mine will enjoy nearly all of the recipes in it. It’s all a matter of perspective and how one enjoys cooking. Some of there recipes are definitely not 30 minute meals…
Paige Oliveto –
Best thing to happen to my kitchen!
Big Vegan Flavor is hands-down the best thing that has happened to my kitchen. Aptly named, every recipe that Nisha creates is bursting with combinations of unique flavors, a level to which I have never experienced before. This book is so much more than a cookbook. While there are incredible and unique recipes that are bursting with flavor and texture, this book also acts as a master-class for any home cook wanting to level up their game in the kitchen (significantly level up). Nisha has used her attention to detail and exceptional intellect to learn and master the ins and outs of cooking, and has passed along her learning experiences to the readers of Big Vegan Flavor. Throw out any preconceived notions of boring and bland vegan food composed of rice, beans, and plain tofu. The recipes in this book would wow any meat-eater, tried and tested. I will say as a vegan of over 15 years, and an avid home-cook, this book absolutely filled a need in the vegan community. There are plenty of quick and easy cookbooks with ingredients you can find at your local grocery store. But those books to not contain the level of flavor and complexity that Nisha has cultivated in this book. You will need (for some recipes, not all) non-traditional ingredients from either online or your local Asian or Indian grocery stores (think: curry leaves, gochujang, galangal, etc). This is not a burden or an inconvenience but rather an opportunity to learn about and experience new flavors, and each of these “speciality” items are without a doubt worth the flavor pay off, and typically can be stocked in the pantry for another dish. Some recipes are simple, quick, and (always) flavorful, while others require more prep work and have multiple steps. If you love to cook, these next-level recipes will be a labor of love and enjoyment. Each extra minute and step will be exhibited in the final dish blowing you away. Again, Nisha’s recipes are a different caliber, and will wow you (there is nothing bland in this book, and all good things take time!). Nisha teaches you how to obtain a perfectly balanced meal through various sources of umami, acid, salty, and sweet, as well as what to do to get the most flavor out of your ingredients. This book is a must-read for anyone, not just vegans. You will learn a great deal about how to become a better home cook, while also benefiting from a number of incredibly flavorful recipes. I personally love the ‘components’ sections of the book, in which Nisha provides recipes for sauces, condiments, protein sources, grains, etc, and gives you the tools to take these components to not only create a well-balanced flavorful meal, but also to meal-prep for the week. I have been a Nisha fan for years, frequenting the Rainbow Plant Life blog, and youtube, and was long-awaiting the release of this book and it did not disappoint. Do yourself a favor and not only buy this book but buy 2 and give one to a friend who loves to cook, they will thank you. P. S. The photography is absolutely stunning, and photos were taken by Nisha herself (what can’t she do?!)
Sharon –
Rainbow Plant Life – Nisha Vora has created one of the best vegan cookbook resources I have in my diverse cookbook collection. I started my journey a couple of years ago to eat more plants and I have considerably reduced meat, dairy, and eggs in my diet. There are lots of plant based folks plying the benefits of plants only diets and not many of them come to the standard of Nisha. She creates flavorful recipes that look and taste great (even if you modify them for no salt- no sugar- no oil ) that even my reluctant husband enjoys! I can create an omnivore meal plan in my sleep – I struggled creating plant based meals as I’m not a fan of throwing veggies in a bowl and calling it dinner or eating the same food everyday! Nisha’s menu planning service taught me how to develop a plan to easily prepare great tasting vegan meals. Her cookbook Big Vegan Flavors is an extension of this approach and is a great how to guide for new and seasoned cooks to learn and explore plant based cooking with confidence. The pictures in this book are glorious and the quality of the book is wonderful. The first picture is from the Preserved Lemon Recipe in the cookbook. I choose this recipe as it is also on her blog. Other pictures hopefully illustrate the quality of the book.Honestly, I didn’t think I needed another cookbook and I’m so glad that I bought this one! You won’t be disappointed if you purchase this for yourself or as a gift as every meal needs great gourmet veggies!
Mom –
This book just makes me happy. It is opening up a whole other world foe me.
Amazon Customer –
This is the best and most cookbook I have bought! It is very well organised and with many helpful tips throughout and great recipes. The Ethiopian red lentil stew with spiced butter is one of the best things I’ve cooked and the white bean and tomato stew was also amazing. I can’t wait to cook my way through this book!
Trixi –
This book is a real jewel! If you need just one vegan cookbook, don’t look further, buy this one and you’ll not be disappointed! I tried at least half a dozen recipe just in the first week I received it and every single one was delicious. It’s becoming my go-to cookbook really really fast. It’s huge, but worth every millimeter of space it takes. I usually take notes near the recipe with the date I tried and if I made substitutions and if it was worth the effort, but with Nisha’s book I just don’t bother: they’re so darn good and tasty. I just cut down without mercy the amount of heat, because of my “baby-mouth”.And the recipes are not even the best part (incredible, uh?!): Nisha explains beautifully all you need to know to cook amazing dishes with whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand.Highly highly recommended!
Marleen Van Dyck –
Learning so many new flavors