77 of 79 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Easy, Delicious Homemade Veggie Burgers - Not Just for Vegans and Vegetarians!, July 18, 2010
This review is from: Veggie Burgers Every Which Way: Fresh, Flavorful and Healthy Vegan and Vegetarian Burgers - Plus Toppings, Sides, Buns and More (Paperback)
Let's face it - those frozen, boxed veggie burgers really aren't very good. They're filled with chemicals, taste bland and artificial, and have that lovely dry, cardboard texture. Fortunately, delicious and nutritious veggie burgers are easy to make at home, and Lukas Volger shows us how in his new book, Veggie Burgers Every Which Way.
Volger's book provides thirty unique veggie burger recipes, and the variety of styles ensures that there is something for every palette. All of the recipes are clearly-written and easy to follow, and many include directions for how busy cooks can prepare portions of the recipe ahead of time. Best of all, many of the recipes take thirty minutes or less of prep and cook time! Also included is a section on freezing your veggie burger mix for later use and the proper storage method for making your leftovers last, especially convenient for hectic schedules and small families.
Most of the recipes call for fresh ingredients readily available at any major supermarket. Those few ingredients that are less standard can be found in health food stores or asian markets, which most cities now have. The emphasis on fresh ingredients makes these burgers both more flavorful and more healthy than the alternatives provided in the (very few) other veggie burger cook books out there. More than half of the recipes are also vegan or gluten-free, and many others are easily modified for specialized diets.
The introduction to Veggie Burgers Every Which Way outlines the typical ingredients found in veggie burgers and the most common basic cooking methods for each, making this book easily accessible to fledgling cooks. For those who are looking to further amp their veggie burger experience, the section on condiments and toppings provides an eclectic mix of sauces, relishes, and other burger essentials. Definitely don't skip the homemade french fry section; these tasty fry recipes are surprisingly easy and varied, a great change from frozen french fries. Adventurous cooks should try the burger bun section, which includes standard, whole wheat, pretzel, corn, and gluten-free recipes for homemade burger buns.
The burger recipes are divided into three sections based on their primary ingredients: Bean, Grain, and Nut Burgers; Vegetable Burgers; and Tofu, Seitan, and TVP Burgers. The offerings range from basic burgers that anyone can love to adventurous flavors inspired by international cuisine. Don't be scared off by an unfamiliar ingredient or spice, though; Volger knows what he's doing, and every burger is perfectly balanced.
I have personally tasted four of the recipes included in this book. At the American Library Association Conference, Volger prepared small samples of the Mushroom Burgers with Barley; I have made the Thai Carrot Burgers, Ginger-Soy Tempeh Burgers, and Pub Grub Veggie Burgers in my own kitchen. All four have been straightforward, delicious, and satisfying to both vegetarian and omnivorous guests. My best friend, the burger man and grill master, has a great time making and eating these despite his love of meat burgers - this book is truly for everyone!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Veggie Burgers For Everyone, July 21, 2010
This review is from: Veggie Burgers Every Which Way: Fresh, Flavorful and Healthy Vegan and Vegetarian Burgers - Plus Toppings, Sides, Buns and More (Paperback)
Veggie Burgers Every Which Way is a fantastic book. It is well-written, which makes the recipes a breeze to prepare, the flavor combinations are dynamic and interesting, and most importantly everything I've made from this book tastes positively delicious. My favorite recipes so far are the Pub-Grub Burger, The Tuscan White Bean Burger, the Tortilla-Crusted Stuffed Portobello Burgers, the Pretzel Rolls, the Black Olive and Roasted Potato Salad with Arugula, and the Quick Pickles.
Veggie Burgers Every Which Way is beautifully composed. It is clear from the mouthwatering recipes, the playful design/layout, the thoughtful writing, and the elegant photography that this was a labor of love. I'm looking forward to whatever Mr. Volger has next up his sleeve.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
48 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Salivating Carnivore, July 7, 2010
This review is from: Veggie Burgers Every Which Way: Fresh, Flavorful and Healthy Vegan and Vegetarian Burgers - Plus Toppings, Sides, Buns and More (Paperback)
I am an unabashed and unashamed meat-eater. I bought this book because a good friend and frequent guest is a vegetarian and I thought "wouldn't it be nice to offer him something beyond double portions of the sides at our summer dinners..."but this book really appeals to me! I've marked at least a dozen recipes (corn burgers with sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese...how could that be anything but SPECTACULAR?) and some sides as well ( frizzled shallots has to happen TODAY )Best of all- the ingredients are grocery store available -- no special trips to strange smelling health food stores. This book would make the perfect house gift for summer weekends...
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
