Appetite For Reduction

By Isa Chandra Moskowitz

A lot of people assume that most, if not all, vegans are slender. Ms. Moskowtiz understands this is a myth and has authored a weight-loss cookbook to help vegans and other readers shed extra pounds. Appetite for Reduction features 125 recipes that are low in calories but rank high for substance and creativity. Symbols indicate if a dish is gluten-free and/or soy-free and whether it can be prepared in fewer than 30 minutes. Helpful hints are also found throughout this work. Many people hear the word ‘salad’ and think ‘diet food.’ The salads in this book, however, are quite hearty. Examples include Sushi Roll Edamame Salad with Green Onion-Miso Vinaigrette and Catalan Couscous Salad with Pears with Romesco Dressing.

Among the side dishes, you will discover a Cranberry-Cashew Biryani, Scallion Potato Pancakes, and OMG Oven-Baked Onion Rings. Great vegetable-based choices include Jerk Asparagus, Pineapple Collards, and Braised Cabbage with Seitan.

Isa’s main dishes are divided into several categories, including bean dishes such as Caribbean Curried Black-Eyed Peas with Plantains. You’ll find the likes of Tamarind BBQ Tempeh and Sweet Potatoes among the tofu and tempeh dishes, and the pasta and noodle entrées feature Ginger Bok Choy and Soba and Cajun Beanballs and Spaghetti. You’ll also find a variety of satisfying soups, stews, curries, and chili, including Cauliflower Pesto Soup, Chili Verde con Papas, Kidney Bean and Butternut Jamba Stew, Potato-Spinach Curry, and Smoky Split Pea Soup.

There are no dessert recipes; after all, this is a weight-loss book. You will, however, find gorgeous color photos in this cookbook, as well as nutritional analyses.