drizzleanddip

Trying to choose a recipe out of Luscious Vegetarian, a new and most fabulous cook book by Sonia Cabano and Jade de Waal, was rather difficult for me to do. I eventually settled on their ‘Greek walnut shortbread’ recipe because this is one of my all-time favourite baked things, and I was in the mood to do some baking.

Before we get onto this exquisite recipe, which I feel so privileged to share on Drizzle & Dip, I want to talk a bit about this book.

I grew up in an era where vegetarian eating was not at all main stream, and making a variety of delicious meat-free meals was challenging. Seeking out restaurants that catered for vegetarians was also difficult and this I knew only too well as my older sister decided to become one at age 16. Thank goodness the times have changed and vegetables and vegetarianism are fully mainstream now.

Despite this, many vegetarian recipe books have a distinct ‘hippy’ vibe to them with a focus on very wholesome earthy recipes that often require complicated cooking techniques. Luscious Vegetarian is not anything like that. Its fresh, modern and has a set of recipes that will appeal to a health conscious eater as well as a person looking for a delicious non-meat feast. It has a bit of everything in it. The recipes are all entirely manageable and most will slot perfectly into any persons busy schedule.

I was complete taken with this book the moment I clapped eyes on the cover.

Beautifully styled by Brita du Plessis and photographed by Sean Calitz, the images make you want to jump into each page and scoop out the contents. I love the way the chapters are arranged into: quick, light, pure, feast, relax, bake and basic. Each chapter filled with recipes that entice you to want to run into the kitchen and make.

I cant wait to try the falafel with tahini in pita, the potato chive and pea pancakes, the ricotta puffs with honey & almonds and the wild mushroom lasagne (amongst many others). This is an inspiring vegetarian cookbook for the vegevore and the carnivore alike.

I’m lucky enough to know both the authors – Sonia Cabano and her niece Jade de Waal, and this book is a heart warming family collaboration between these two wonderful women.

Sonia lived in London and Europe for 12 years, training at various famous restaurants. After returning to South Africa she ran a successful catering business in Cape Town with numerous high-profile clients and worked as a freelance stylist and journalist for various South African publications. Currently in demand as a demonstration chef she is a very busy working mother of two young children. Sonia is the author of Easy, Simple & Delicious and Relish, also by Struik Lifestyle. Luscious Vegetarian is Sonia’s fourth cookbook.

Jade is a jazz music student with a passion for food. During her matric year she started Eat Your Heart Out, a ‘made for the web’ cooking show. Jade also hosts regular ‘Food Jams’ at which attendees are invited to improvise and explore their cookery skills. Jade reached the Top 9 contestants in the first season of MasterChef South Africa, and was aptly named the quirkiest contestant.

I am thrilled to giving away 2 copies of this fabulous book to my readers. Please enter by leaving a comment below with what your favourite vegetarian dish is – to either make or enjoy. This giveaway closes on Wed 13 Feb. – click here to enter.
Luscious Vegetarian by Sonia Cabano & Jade de Waal (Random House Struik)

Recipe | makes 24 – 26 biscuits

• Visit Drizzle and Dip for the recipe

I look forward to connecting with you again