Book Review

Vegan Fire & Spice: 200 Sultry and Savory Global Recipes
By Robin Robertson
Reviewed by Tammie Ortlieb
Fire and Spice

Vegan Fire & Spice: 200 Sultry and Savory Global Recipes

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Robin Robertson, best-selling author of Vegan Planet, has brought a little heat into the plant-based kitchen. A complete vegan re-do of her previous vegetarian title Some Like it Hot, Vegan Fire & Spice offers up dishes from India, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean all without aid of passport or plane tickets.

Teeny confession here before we begin: I'm a complete wimp when it comes to fire in the kitchen. Personally, I go running for a fire extinguisher after the smallest taste of even the mildest salsa. Not a problem. Robertson offers plenty of options for turning down, as well as turning up, the heat in her recipes. She is quick, however, to suggest that running to a creamy or fruity type drink should I happen to spice things up a bit too much is a far better option than turning to water. Interestingly, water won't put out the flames of a burning mouth as the oils in chiles are not water soluble. Another helpful tip from Robertson is her version of star ratings. Each recipe gets a one chile (mild), two chile (medium hot) or three chile (super hot!) designation. This way I am sure to find just the perfect meal for my liking.

On Mexican night, my one chile finds include Spicy Corn Soup and a side of Tacos with Salsa Fresca. I'm saving the United States' three chile rated Texas Barbecue Sauce and two chile Smokin' Texas Cavier for when I get a little braver. For now, I'll move on to mildly spiced Italian dishes?Spicy Olives, Artichokes Hearts with Garlic and Capers, and a hearty serving of Italian Vegetable Ragout (mmm, Italian night is my fave!). And while I'm not a huge fan of African cuisine, I will admit that Robertson's Marrakesh Couscous is delish. I'm even working on getting the courage to try a new bean. If you can believe, I have never in my life tasted fava beans. As soon as I feel up to the task, I'm pulling out ingredients for the Egyptian Fava Bean recipe. Then maybe a little Jamaican-Style Picadillo? Barbados-Style Grilled Kebobs? Middle Eastern Rice Salad? Chickpeas and Sweet Potatoes? Ooh, this could be addicting!

With a section by section recipe index, easy to find ingredients, and 200 variations on a dinner theme, Robertson's latest work is a definite winner. Pack your bags fellow vegans! This is one trip you won't want to miss.

Buy Vegan Fire & Spice: 200 Sultry and Savory Global Recipes now!

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