This is a HUGE book. It takes up space on my bookshelves where 4 other books could go! In a way it should be a vegan encyclopedia and according to the chapter headings it is. There are 20 chapters in it, including sandwiches, pizza, pasta, sauces etc. I love reading it, and love to pick out things I want to make. The recipes are full of good ideas, the author has some nice creative ideas, and she’s done a lot for making vegan food accessible. You can sense there’s a but coming can’t you? And there is. The food isn’t all that tasty. I haven’t made anything dreadful, but everything seems to lack a bit of oomph (UK readers insert clip of John Torode going “oomph” here). It’s like it all needs an extra shake of spice, herbs or seasoning. But if you approach the recipes knowing that, and don’t be afraid to tweak the flavours, there are some really nice ideas. Even as I’m looking through it now to remind myself what I’ve cooked, I’m wondering why I haven’t made more…..
Some things I’ve liked:
Tahini rotini with broccoli and lemon (I made this practically weekly when I first got the book)
Tempeh goulash
Stuffed pesto potatoes with fennel compote
Tarragon scented artichoke and wild mushroom strudel
Cooking the Vegan Books 
Good review and good to know.
🙂
Great review, Liz! I have been wondering about getting this, but I guess my encyclopedia is called Veganomicon 😉
Thanks for the review! I’ve had the book for ages but have barely used it because it’s so overwhelming. In all this time, I think I’ve used it twice. That asparagus mushroom strudel seems to be calling my name now, though!
I love Robin Robertson books and use this one all the time. I’m really looking forward to 1000 Vegan Recipes coming out soon too, lord knows how much room that will take up on the shelf!
Funnily enough I didnt like the Tahini Rotini at all! I don’t think I’ve tried any of your other favourites yet, I’ll keep them in mind!
I have Vegan Planet and don’t use it nearly often enough. I think its size intimidates me. I’ve liked all the recipes I have tried though, and VP’s Basic Brown Sauce is my go-to recipe for Chinese food and stir-fries. The only thing I didn’t like — the Tahini Zucchini Bread. It tasted really funky for some reason.
This is one of my favorite cookbooks. I have used it so much that it is now in 2 pieces. I am asking for a new one for Christmas.
I have used this book a lot. I agree that some of the recipes need a bit of extra ‘oomph’ added, but generally speaking there is nothing there that I have not enjoyed. It is certainly full of easy and nice looking recipes.
I use this book a lot and was fortunate enough to be a tester for her newest book, 1000 Vegan Recipes. My favorite soup in VP is Orange and Chipotle Kissed Butternut Squash Bisque – devine!
The new book has some wonderful recipes too – I love the Golden Harvest Soup for the fall weather and will be making the Ginger-Spice Brownies for my holiday get togethers!
Divine! Something was bugging me about my post – aaah, spelling.