What do you look for in a vegetarian cookbook? Or, what _would_ you look for? And, what do you not want?

Question

Re. "You posted this question already today." Yes: in a different category, to omnivores. This one is, as hoped for, getting different sorts of answers.

New vegetarians are encouraged to reply. What would you want it to focus on? Etc.

Thanks for the answers so far!

Answer 1

Photos. I hate cookbooks that don't have photos. Visual appeal is a huge part of the dining experience.

Otherwise, I like cookbooks that use easy-to-find ingredients (we don't have a Mexican or Japanese grocery store in my city so it's hard to find a lot of seasonings), that present all temperatures in degrees celcius and farenheit (for when I travel overseas and use a different type of stove), and that don't rely on weird vegetarian franken-foods or fake meat. I want vegetarian food with real, natural ingredients.

Answer 2

It would be essential to have the recipes with lists of ingredients (maybe with those ingredients cross-referenced in the index) toghether with prep and cooking details.

I think what would be unique and is not usually seen is a list of the partial proteins that the dish provides. That would let someone preparing a menu see what to serve with the meal so that it totals up to the same complete protein that a non-vegetarian would get.

I think what would NOT be useful, but is very common, would be a harangue on the moral benefits of eating vegetarian meals.

Answer 3

I would like a lot of basic information on vegetarian foods - whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, oils .. .including nutrition, storage, basic way to cook.

Then a variety of really basic recipes.

Then a few fancy recipes.

I would not want a book that only consisted of very complicated recipes.

Answer 4

What I look for:

Everyday and easy to find ingredients

Answer 5

Something flavorful, never find it!

Answer 6

meat!