Reviews

Vegetable Simple: A Cookbook by Eric Ripert, Nigel Parry

theobromo's review against another edition

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4.0

I’m happy to see relatively simple veggie dishes with mostly easy to get ingredients. Occasionally I had to raise an eyebrow at something so pretentious I had to remind myself that the author is of French decent, I mean, AGED balsamic, really? I’m sure it’s fantastic but I don’t want to know how much a good bottle costs.

sparklingreader's review against another edition

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4.0

I love cookbooks. Let’s get that out there first. I love trying new recipes or even visiting old ones with new twists. I am not a chef by any stretch of the imagination. I am a simple home cook who likes trying out new things. But I do not love reading a cookbook that even on the first page lists ingredients I’ve never heard of, can’t be found in my local stores, or are so expensive, I’d have to mortgage my home to afford them. Unfortunately, that’s what some of the recipes in this book have. Don’t get me wrong, there are some amazing recipes in here, like: Flash-cured Cucumbers. Aigo Boulido (Garlic soup), Vegetable Pistou, and more. I am eager to try them. But…the first recipe was for Yuzu-citrus Popcorn. I had to look up what Yuzu was (a Japanese citrus fruit) – and can only get it online. There’s nothing like that where I live. Or shichimi togarashi. Most of the recipes are much simpler with easy-to-find ingredients that are affordable, and there are tons of beautiful color pictures to accompany the recipes. Each recipe includes the list of ingredients, number of servings, and directions. What they don’t include are the time it takes to prepare the dish or nutrient information. For recipes that require special equipment, that is also listed.

I did like the Tips & Guidelines at the end as well as the Seasonal produce guide. Those are really helpful. And the book contains not just vegetable side-dishes, but main meals and desserts—all vegetable based—as well.

So…a balance of pluses and minuses in this book. It would definitely fit in a kitchen of someone who loves “fancy” food, even though this is “Vegetable Simple”. There are some really good recipes in here—actually a lot of them—but I wouldn’t purchase this for a simple cook without access to some higher-end ingredients. I would, however, purchase it as a gift for foodie friends. And I know I am going to enjoy trying some of these recipes for myself and my family.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. My thanks to Goodreads and Random House for providing this book.

kriswilli's review against another edition

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5.0

I have lost over 50 pounds since June of 2020 and have rediscovered vegetables in my healthy way of eating. I was motivated to do this during the COVID pandemic lockdown and did it despite a knee problem that prevents heavy exercise or walking distances.

So when I saw this book listed as a Goodreads Giveaway, I had to enter the contest and was delighted to win a copy.

This is a glorious cookbook! The photos are tremendous and the recipes are indeed simple. Many of them fit within my current eating plan. It is enjoyable to sit down and actually read this cookbook rather than simply peruse the recipes. The book actually engages the reader to continue as each recipe seems to build on the previous one.

The layout is spectacular. This book will go on my coffee table rather than on a shelf with my cookbook collection so that I can pick it up whenever a sit down. Thanks so much for the opportunity to enjoy it! (less)

bonniereads777's review against another edition

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4.0

Vegetable simple is a lovely cookbook with gorgeous pictures that provides recipes for vegetables that can be done often in the simplest and freshest ways. My favorite so far is the romaine caesar gratin, where you actually broil the parmesan on the top of the romaine before serving. Ingenious idea. I also want to try the Vidalia Onion Risotto and Vegetable Lasagna. In the summer when garden tomatoes are available I plan to try Tomato Croque Sel.

There are a few recipes that are not as simple as the title implies, but overall this book uses recipes with fresh ingredients and simple methods to help you prepare wonderful and healthy food.

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

winelovingbooknerd's review against another edition

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5.0

A gorgeous new cookbook by the brilliant Eric Ripert! Don't be daunted by this highly acclaimed chef though, all of these recipes are simple enough for any level of home cook. Short ingredient lists and simple instructions that highlight and elevate these glorious vegetables.

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to preview this cookbook. My review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

hannas_heas47's review against another edition

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5.0


You had me at this gorgeous cover! The cookbook is simple and houses some vivid pictures of cooked vegetables.

What did I like? Anyone loving vegetables will absolutely adore this picturesque cookbook. Seriously yummy looking recipes of every type of vegetable imagined. All in a simple recipe. From the coleslaw to grated carrot salad...you will be amazed.

Would I recommend or buy? Vegans or vegetarians will absolutely love this simple but amazing cookbook. From blending to mandoline to soups this makes a fun but universal cookbook. I would definitely recommend and would love to own a paper copy.

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review! Five stars!

brandyobrien9's review

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informative slow-paced

4.0

leahsbooks's review against another edition

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5.0

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. I am offering my honest opinion voluntarily.

I was intrigued by the idea of a book devoted solely to the preparation of vegetables by the chef of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Before starting, I was half expecting the recipes to involve complicated lists of difficult-to-find ingredients, with impossible to follow directions that would be far past my skill level. However, I was so pleasantly surprised to find that this really is a cookbook full of simple recipes featuring vegetables.

The book starts out by explaining why vegetables are so important to the author, and closes with a quick guide about how to select and clean vegetables, with special emphasis on the seasons in which specific vegetables are available in the Northern Hemisphere.

There's such a variety of cultural influences in the recipes - Asian, Middle Eastern, European, and Latin American. Nearly every ingredient listed can easily be found in my local supermarket, and the few that aren't can still be found easily by visiting an Asian supermarket. Each recipe is preceded with a stunning photograph, giving me a visual idea of what to expect, and there were so many recipes that I bookmarked.

While vegetables are the star of the show, there are a few recipes featuring fruits as well, so there's a dessert section as well, and a few recipes for alcoholic beverages as well. The recipes run the gamut from appetizers to dessert, with everything in-between, and makes me excited to pick up some ingredients and give these recipes a try. It's perfect for everyone, including vegans and vegetarians.

saschadarlington's review against another edition

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5.0

Unless you eat a plant-based diet, you may consider vegetables just as the side dishes to fill in next to whatever meat and starch you’re having. Eric Ripert’s Vegetable Simple elevates vegetables to the stars of the meal, but simple stars with simple preparation so that the flavor of the vegetable is enhanced–not overwhelmed.

Vegetable Simple is filled with beautiful photographs of tantalizing vegetable meals. As I read over the pages, stopping on a halved juicy tomato that has been baked with an herbes de provence crust, I am thinking of summer and how a freshly picked tomato will taste with this simple preparation. The mushroom bolognese in a nest of tagliatelle. And can you imagine the taste of Watermelon Pizza with olives, feta and mint? Vidalia Onion Risotto? Vegetable Lasagna where the noodle are zucchini. There are so many delicious-sounding recipes like Eggplant Au Poivre for those of us who would once order the meat version whenever possible.

Besides the chapters devoted to vegetables, Ripert has also included some of his favorite beverages and desserts. Summertime will definitely contain Frosé–frozen rosé. And Cherry Clafoutis, a fresh cherry custard dessert!

I highly recommend Vegetable Simple for everyone who is already eating a plant-based diet as well as those who want to incorporate more vegetables into their diet. This cookbook will certainly demonstrate one of the easier and tastier ways to do it. Also, the recipes will definitely enhance the repertoire of vegetarian cooks.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

musingsbymichelle's review against another edition

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4.0

I really enjoyed the layout and simplicity of many of these recipes. The title explains exactly what this book entails. Ripert's book really opens up the world of easy vegetable side dishes and main courses. He includes recipes that don't require many ingredients nor a lot of prep or supplies. He also explains techniques in an accessible way. I was pleasantly surprised that there was a desert section at the end too!

There is a deep appreciation for vegetables and the ways they can be enjoyed. I can't wait to see a copy of this book in person because the digital copy doesn't do the pictures justice. Also, I appreciated how there was a list of produce by season at the end of the book.

My one critique is that the recipes don't seem to be divided into any clear sections other than the deserts at the end and a random part where multiple mushroom dishes were listed. I personally would have found more value if they were arranged by salads, soups, appetizers, main courses, and deserts or maybe type of produce such as all the gratin or all the mushroom recipes are next to each other.