The Plant-Based Diet for Beginners by Gabriel Miller, Rockridge Press, Callisto Publishers, 155 pages

           " While losing weight was my original goal,

                                        I believe my greatest accomplishment has been

                                           encouraging and leading many of my family 

                                        members and friends to regain their own health.”

        -Gabriel Miller, Introduction, page IX

This cookbook is separated into two sections, Part One: Getting Started with Chapter 1 explaining why you should go plant-based and Cooking with Oil (really without) on page 4, and Chapter 2 containing shopping lists and sample menus. There is a vitamin chart listing vegetables to eat that are rich in nutrients and a chart for some foods to eat “instead of this, eat that” on page 15. A good cookbook contains pantry, refrigerator, freezer, and equipment essentials which this one does starting on pages 16 through 19. Part Two: The Recipes has Chapter 3 through Chapter 8 with the titles of Entrees, Smoothies and Beverages, and Sauces, Dressings, and Dips to name a few.

Two recipes that caught my eye are Sautéed Collard Greens on page 63, and White Bean and Chickpea Hummus on page 133. I am a  hummus lover and fortunately have the ingredients in my cupboard of staples.  I like collard greens also and usually prepare in my slow cooker, but decided to try this sautéed recipe in a saucepan.

The White Bean and Chickpea Hummus after tasting was a little bland so I added additional fresh lemon juice, onion and garlic powders, a pinch of kosher salt and a few roasted red bell pepper. The Sauteed Collard Greens were very tender and tasteful.

I am recommending this plant-based cookbook for any person interested in preparing plant-based meals for a simpler and healthier eating lifestyle. There are plenty of interesting recipes to prepare for a taste test. Get ready, set, and go!

I received this cookbook from Callisto Publishers in exchange for an honest review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission Guidelines.