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The Engine 2 Cookbook: More than 130 Lip-Smacking, Rib-Sticking, Body-Slimming Recipes to Live Plant-Strong Paperback – January 5, 2021

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,271 ratings

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Lose weight, lower cholesterol, and improve your health, one delicious bite at a time in this companion to the runaway New York Times bestseller The Engine 2 Diet.

The Engine 2 Diet is the most trusted name in plant-based eating, having sold millions of copies worldwide. Now, readers can bring the Engine 2 program into their kitchens with this easy to follow cookbook which includes over one hundred mouth-watering recipes, including: 

   ·Mac-N-Cash
   ·Two-Handed Sloppy Joes
   ·Terrific Teriyaki Tofu Bowl
   ·Badass Banana Bread

Featuring delectable photos and simple recipes,
The Engine 2 Cookbook will have you eating this delectable food up–whether you're an experienced chef or cooking novice.

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The Engine 2 Cookbook The Engine 2 Diet The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet Plant-Strong
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born in upstate New York, Rip Esselstyn grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and studied speech communications at the University of Texas, Austin, where he was an All-American swimmer. After spending 10 years as a professional triathlete, Rip joined the Austin fire department in 1997. He now travels year-round lecturing and giving seminars on the Engine 2 lifestyle. He is the author of the New York Times bestsellers The Engine 2 Diet and Plant-Strong. Visit his website at www.engine2diet.com.




Jane Esselstyn is a nurse, researcher, recipe developer and married mother of three. She lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing (January 5, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1455591181
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1455591183
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 0.85 x 9.2 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 2,271 ratings

About the authors

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
2,271 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the recipes delicious and easy to follow. They also say the book is good for their health. Readers appreciate the beautiful pictures and color photos of almost every recipe. They mention the book is plant-based, simple, and easy to read. Additionally, they describe the information as informative, inspiring, and helpful. Customers say it's worth the money and has great ideas.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

145 customers mention "Recipes quality"145 positive0 negative

Customers find the recipes in the book complex and delicious. They say the recipes are easy and flexible. Readers also mention the book provides incredible options and a good variety of food and meal groups.

"...Desserts -- includes different baked goods and cookies, as well as Frozen Frosted Fudge Squares, Stones Scones, some breads, and some pudding/..." Read more

"...And your family will love it. There are a number of complex and delicious recipes (the two lasagnas come to mind) that take some time to cook..." Read more

"...The recipes I've tried so far have been outrageously delicious-the book itself is beautifully photographed. Really a wonderful wonderful book." Read more

"Well made, easy to find recipes. Very good cookbook" Read more

53 customers mention "Ease of use"50 positive3 negative

Customers find the recipes in the book easy to follow and make. They also say it's a true Whole Food Plant-based recipe book.

"...The recipes in this particular cookbook are all simple to make and they don't require special ingredients or trips to specialty stores...." Read more

"...Toss a salad and call it good. This also makes lunch easy to pull together in the morning before work...." Read more

"...I use both every day, and I found these recipes to be much easier to make because I have them...." Read more

"...The recipes that I’ve tried so far as delicious and easy to follow." Read more

25 customers mention "Health"25 positive0 negative

Customers find the recipes in the book healthy, easy to make, and good for their health. They say it's one of the best vegan cookbooks out there, with delicious no-oil recipes. Readers also mention the book is great for vegans and provides real food for real people.

"...in this book, you will be able to toss a delicious, ridiculously healthy dinner on the table in no time...." Read more

"I am not plant base-but this book is truly helping me incorporate better meals...." Read more

"...Excellent, hearty, firefighter-worthy recipes that are also the healthiest way to eat. I love the entire Esselstyn clan...." Read more

"...But in the long run $$s are saved, it is cheaper, and affects one's health positively. True Grit gravy page 79- yum!" Read more

25 customers mention "Pictures quality"20 positive5 negative

Customers find the pictures in the book beautiful and color. They say it's easy to follow and has pictures with every recipe.

"...photos of both recipes from the book so you can see how lovely the photos are, as well as photos of two other pages so you can see the overall..." Read more

"...'ve tried so far have been outrageously delicious-the book itself is beautifully photographed. Really a wonderful wonderful book." Read more

"...This one's got color photos of almost every recipe, and the ones we have tried so far are fantastic. I plan to make the Shepherd's Pie tomorrow...." Read more

"Meh. The book is okay. I'm just not impressed with most of the recipes. I tried a few and found them bland. The Ecuadorian bowl recipe was okay...." Read more

19 customers mention "Plant based recipes"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the recipes in the book simple, easy to use, and natural. They appreciate that the book makes eating whole-foods simple. Readers also mention the recipes are quick and easy for a plant-based diet.

"...in this particular cookbook are all simple to make and they don't require special ingredients or trips to specialty stores...." Read more

"...The photos in the book are totally mouth-watering and natural and you get what you see every time...." Read more

"...This book is for simple cooks like myself. Real, easy to find ingredients...." Read more

"...and tantalizing and the recipes are easy to follow, no obscure ingredients or equipment needed...." Read more

16 customers mention "Information quality"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative, inspiring, and helpful for getting started on a plant-based regimen. They appreciate the great recipes and encouragement. Readers also mention the health message sprinkled throughout is inspiring.

"...The emphasis is on hearty, home-style meals that come together quickly...." Read more

"What a Family - with decades of experience to share. A book crammed with inspiration and a huge variety of dishes to keep us in the plant based..." Read more

"...The inspirational testimonies and Rip's personal stories gave it a special touch...." Read more

"...The health message sprinkled throughout is inspiring!" Read more

10 customers mention "Value for money"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book is worth the money. They say it has quality, integrity, and a wealth of knowledge for the price.

"...But in the long run $$s are saved, it is cheaper, and affects one's health positively. True Grit gravy page 79- yum!" Read more

"...and I must say the Soul Warming Tomato Soup on page 167 is worth the price of the book! 1/2 the recipe makes 1 quart plus one serving. Sooo good!..." Read more

"Saving your health with one recipe at at time. Worth every penny...." Read more

"Love the cookbook. I have made several recipes out of it and it's worth the money. If you are plant based, this is a great find!!..." Read more

8 customers mention "Creativity"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the recipes in the book very creative, tasty, and colorful. They also appreciate the great ideas and variety for everyone's palate.

"...But mostly there are very creative and tasty recipes made from what's in your fridge, freezer and pantry...." Read more

"...My non-plant based friends have loved the dishes as well. Great ideas and variety for everyone's palate." Read more

"...I found this book, I feel inspired and can't wait to try the delicious looking recipes." Read more

"This book gave me knowledge, and so many wonderful looking recipes. The fact that they are all oil free is a wonderful bonus." Read more

Delicious recipes for whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) eating
5 out of 5 stars
Delicious recipes for whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) eating
I pre-ordered this six months ago, and am so glad that it's finally here in time for the new year! I own two other Engine 2 books, but this is the first book in the Engine 2 series that is an actual cookbook. While the previous Engine 2 books do include recipes, this one is unique in that its focus is on the recipes themselves -- and it's full of beautiful photos to showcase them all!The book is divided up into several main chapters:* Firefighters -- gives some background on the development of the Engine 2 diet, and how Rip Esselstyn converted his fellow Austin firefighters to begin eating a plant-based diet to decrease their risk of heart disease and quell inflammation* Getting Your Kitchen into Plant-Strong Shape -- offers tips for those new to plant-based eating* Breakfast -- contains recipes for things like Sunday Morning Blueberry Pancakes, Sedona Sweet Potato Waffles, and various granolas, mueslis, and oatmeals* Sauces, Spreads, Salsas, Dressings, Dips, and Hummus -- includes some standard items like marinara and peanut sauces, but also some interesting variations (things like Thai Curry Hummus and Garlic Lover's Hummus)* Appetizers and Sides -- contains recipes for things like Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, BBQ Eggplant Rounds, Kale Chips, and Beer Biscuits* Salads and Croutons -- this chapter doesn't have as many salad recipes as other cookbooks I own, but it does contain a few, and has some really interesting recipes for Toasted Pepitas, Homemade Croutons, Hot Chickpea Croutons, and Sweet Potato Croutons* Soups and Sandwiches -- includes recipes for various soups and sandwiches* Suppers and One-Bowl Meals -- this section includes a lot of the bowl recipes that are a part of the Engine 2 lifestyle, as well as 12 different Warrior Pocket sandwich recipes, a recipe for homemade pizza dough, and various chili recipes* Desserts -- includes different baked goods and cookies, as well as Frozen Frosted Fudge Squares, Stones Scones, some breads, and some pudding/parfait recipesIf you're new to the Engine 2 lifestyle, its focus is on whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) eating, with no use of added oils or refined sugars or of any animal products. I've been vegan/plant-based for almost five years, and find that when I eat this way consistently, I stay at a healthy weight and have a lot more energy. Other books in this genre are the Forks over Knives, China Study, Plant Pure Nation, and the How Not to Die series. (The Engine 2 folks also run a free Seven-Day Rescue Challenge, which is great if you need support in transitioning to plant-based eating. You can find more info about it on their website or by searching for their Facebook page.)On the The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet: Eat Plants, Lose Weight, Save Your Health book's Facebook page, they lay out the key principles of this way of eating (although the Rescue Diet includes a stricter version of the Engine 2 plan since it's designed to kick-start healthier eating):"Enjoy the Simple Seven:1. All Vegetables: Leafy greens, potatoes, squash and more2. Whole Fruit: Fresh or frozen (thawed - no smoothies!)3. Intact Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, quinoa, farro, bulgur etc.4. 100% Whole Grain oil-free items: Breads, pastas and tortillas5. Legumes: Black beans, lentils, pinto beans, chickpeas, split peas, oil-free hummus6. Sparks: Herbs, spices, vinegars, hot sauce, mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce7. Beverages: Water, tea, coffee - black only (For cereal only: Unsweetened almond, oat or soy milk)8. We do not add sweetener to beverages, cereals etc as an added sweetener at the table. Unless it's in a recipe in the book, please no sweeteners."The recipes in this particular cookbook are all simple to make and they don't require special ingredients or trips to specialty stores. The emphasis is on hearty, home-style meals that come together quickly. I love making easy one-bowl meals on weeknights when I don't have a lot of time to cook, and this cookbook fills that need for filling entrees that I can get on the table quickly. In keeping with the Engine 2 guidelines, there are only a few recipes (maybe six) that use tofu, but the rest do not include refined grains, vegan meat substitutes, or added salt, or extracted oils.Each recipe includes clearly broken-down instructions, along with the recommended serving size. I wish that the total prep and cooking times had been included. Scattered throughout are also small blurbs where people who have been following the Engine 2 lifestyle talk about how it has benefited them. Also, there is a thorough index at the back of the book, but I wish that each main chapter section had included a list of the recipes that would be in them or that there was a master Table of Contents that included all the recipe titles at the front of the book to make it easier to find things.AAlso, while I love the Engine 2 recipes I've made in the past, I tend not to cook from those prior books that often since I like photos to inspire me to try out recipes, and those previous books only contained the recipes at the very end, with no photos. While there aren't photos for every single recipe, there are quite a few.Since I subscribe to the Engine 2 newsletter, I've already had the chance to try out two of the recipes from this book -- the Magnetic Rice Salad (which I brought to Christmas Eve dinner this year -- and which was a total hit!) and the Hot Shot Biscotti. I'm including photos of both recipes from the book so you can see how lovely the photos are, as well as photos of two other pages so you can see the overall layout.Here's to a healthy 2018!UPDATE ON 12-29-17: Last night I made the Yummy Yam and Split Pea Soup (see third photo). I couldn't find yams or split peas (yellow or otherwise) at my local store, so I made it with sweet potatoes and red lentils in my Instant Pot. It came out good; it did lack the richness of similar recipes I've made that use coconut milk or oil, but was still hearty and delicious.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2017
I pre-ordered this six months ago, and am so glad that it's finally here in time for the new year! I own two other Engine 2 books, but this is the first book in the Engine 2 series that is an actual cookbook. While the previous Engine 2 books do include recipes, this one is unique in that its focus is on the recipes themselves -- and it's full of beautiful photos to showcase them all!

The book is divided up into several main chapters:

* Firefighters -- gives some background on the development of the Engine 2 diet, and how Rip Esselstyn converted his fellow Austin firefighters to begin eating a plant-based diet to decrease their risk of heart disease and quell inflammation
* Getting Your Kitchen into Plant-Strong Shape -- offers tips for those new to plant-based eating
* Breakfast -- contains recipes for things like Sunday Morning Blueberry Pancakes, Sedona Sweet Potato Waffles, and various granolas, mueslis, and oatmeals
* Sauces, Spreads, Salsas, Dressings, Dips, and Hummus -- includes some standard items like marinara and peanut sauces, but also some interesting variations (things like Thai Curry Hummus and Garlic Lover's Hummus)
* Appetizers and Sides -- contains recipes for things like Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, BBQ Eggplant Rounds, Kale Chips, and Beer Biscuits
* Salads and Croutons -- this chapter doesn't have as many salad recipes as other cookbooks I own, but it does contain a few, and has some really interesting recipes for Toasted Pepitas, Homemade Croutons, Hot Chickpea Croutons, and Sweet Potato Croutons
* Soups and Sandwiches -- includes recipes for various soups and sandwiches
* Suppers and One-Bowl Meals -- this section includes a lot of the bowl recipes that are a part of the Engine 2 lifestyle, as well as 12 different Warrior Pocket sandwich recipes, a recipe for homemade pizza dough, and various chili recipes
* Desserts -- includes different baked goods and cookies, as well as Frozen Frosted Fudge Squares, Stones Scones, some breads, and some pudding/parfait recipes

If you're new to the Engine 2 lifestyle, its focus is on whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) eating, with no use of added oils or refined sugars or of any animal products. I've been vegan/plant-based for almost five years, and find that when I eat this way consistently, I stay at a healthy weight and have a lot more energy. Other books in this genre are the Forks over Knives, China Study, Plant Pure Nation, and the How Not to Die series. (The Engine 2 folks also run a free Seven-Day Rescue Challenge, which is great if you need support in transitioning to plant-based eating. You can find more info about it on their website or by searching for their Facebook page.)

On the The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet: Eat Plants, Lose Weight, Save Your Health book's Facebook page, they lay out the key principles of this way of eating (although the Rescue Diet includes a stricter version of the Engine 2 plan since it's designed to kick-start healthier eating):

"Enjoy the Simple Seven:
1. All Vegetables: Leafy greens, potatoes, squash and more
2. Whole Fruit: Fresh or frozen (thawed - no smoothies!)
3. Intact Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, quinoa, farro, bulgur etc.
4. 100% Whole Grain oil-free items: Breads, pastas and tortillas
5. Legumes: Black beans, lentils, pinto beans, chickpeas, split peas, oil-free hummus
6. Sparks: Herbs, spices, vinegars, hot sauce, mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce
7. Beverages: Water, tea, coffee - black only (For cereal only: Unsweetened almond, oat or soy milk)
8. We do not add sweetener to beverages, cereals etc as an added sweetener at the table. Unless it's in a recipe in the book, please no sweeteners."

The recipes in this particular cookbook are all simple to make and they don't require special ingredients or trips to specialty stores. The emphasis is on hearty, home-style meals that come together quickly. I love making easy one-bowl meals on weeknights when I don't have a lot of time to cook, and this cookbook fills that need for filling entrees that I can get on the table quickly. In keeping with the Engine 2 guidelines, there are only a few recipes (maybe six) that use tofu, but the rest do not include refined grains, vegan meat substitutes, or added salt, or extracted oils.

Each recipe includes clearly broken-down instructions, along with the recommended serving size. I wish that the total prep and cooking times had been included. Scattered throughout are also small blurbs where people who have been following the Engine 2 lifestyle talk about how it has benefited them. Also, there is a thorough index at the back of the book, but I wish that each main chapter section had included a list of the recipes that would be in them or that there was a master Table of Contents that included all the recipe titles at the front of the book to make it easier to find things.

AAlso, while I love the Engine 2 recipes I've made in the past, I tend not to cook from those prior books that often since I like photos to inspire me to try out recipes, and those previous books only contained the recipes at the very end, with no photos. While there aren't photos for every single recipe, there are quite a few.

Since I subscribe to the Engine 2 newsletter, I've already had the chance to try out two of the recipes from this book -- the Magnetic Rice Salad (which I brought to Christmas Eve dinner this year -- and which was a total hit!) and the Hot Shot Biscotti. I'm including photos of both recipes from the book so you can see how lovely the photos are, as well as photos of two other pages so you can see the overall layout.

Here's to a healthy 2018!

UPDATE ON 12-29-17: Last night I made the Yummy Yam and Split Pea Soup (see third photo). I couldn't find yams or split peas (yellow or otherwise) at my local store, so I made it with sweet potatoes and red lentils in my Instant Pot. It came out good; it did lack the richness of similar recipes I've made that use coconut milk or oil, but was still hearty and delicious.
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious recipes for whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) eating
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2017
I pre-ordered this six months ago, and am so glad that it's finally here in time for the new year! I own two other Engine 2 books, but this is the first book in the Engine 2 series that is an actual cookbook. While the previous Engine 2 books do include recipes, this one is unique in that its focus is on the recipes themselves -- and it's full of beautiful photos to showcase them all!

The book is divided up into several main chapters:

* Firefighters -- gives some background on the development of the Engine 2 diet, and how Rip Esselstyn converted his fellow Austin firefighters to begin eating a plant-based diet to decrease their risk of heart disease and quell inflammation
* Getting Your Kitchen into Plant-Strong Shape -- offers tips for those new to plant-based eating
* Breakfast -- contains recipes for things like Sunday Morning Blueberry Pancakes, Sedona Sweet Potato Waffles, and various granolas, mueslis, and oatmeals
* Sauces, Spreads, Salsas, Dressings, Dips, and Hummus -- includes some standard items like marinara and peanut sauces, but also some interesting variations (things like Thai Curry Hummus and Garlic Lover's Hummus)
* Appetizers and Sides -- contains recipes for things like Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, BBQ Eggplant Rounds, Kale Chips, and Beer Biscuits
* Salads and Croutons -- this chapter doesn't have as many salad recipes as other cookbooks I own, but it does contain a few, and has some really interesting recipes for Toasted Pepitas, Homemade Croutons, Hot Chickpea Croutons, and Sweet Potato Croutons
* Soups and Sandwiches -- includes recipes for various soups and sandwiches
* Suppers and One-Bowl Meals -- this section includes a lot of the bowl recipes that are a part of the Engine 2 lifestyle, as well as 12 different Warrior Pocket sandwich recipes, a recipe for homemade pizza dough, and various chili recipes
* Desserts -- includes different baked goods and cookies, as well as Frozen Frosted Fudge Squares, Stones Scones, some breads, and some pudding/parfait recipes

If you're new to the Engine 2 lifestyle, its focus is on whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) eating, with no use of added oils or refined sugars or of any animal products. I've been vegan/plant-based for almost five years, and find that when I eat this way consistently, I stay at a healthy weight and have a lot more energy. Other books in this genre are the Forks over Knives, China Study, Plant Pure Nation, and the How Not to Die series. (The Engine 2 folks also run a free Seven-Day Rescue Challenge, which is great if you need support in transitioning to plant-based eating. You can find more info about it on their website or by searching for their Facebook page.)

On the The Engine 2 Seven-Day Rescue Diet: Eat Plants, Lose Weight, Save Your Health book's Facebook page, they lay out the key principles of this way of eating (although the Rescue Diet includes a stricter version of the Engine 2 plan since it's designed to kick-start healthier eating):

"Enjoy the Simple Seven:
1. All Vegetables: Leafy greens, potatoes, squash and more
2. Whole Fruit: Fresh or frozen (thawed - no smoothies!)
3. Intact Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, quinoa, farro, bulgur etc.
4. 100% Whole Grain oil-free items: Breads, pastas and tortillas
5. Legumes: Black beans, lentils, pinto beans, chickpeas, split peas, oil-free hummus
6. Sparks: Herbs, spices, vinegars, hot sauce, mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce
7. Beverages: Water, tea, coffee - black only (For cereal only: Unsweetened almond, oat or soy milk)
8. We do not add sweetener to beverages, cereals etc as an added sweetener at the table. Unless it's in a recipe in the book, please no sweeteners."

The recipes in this particular cookbook are all simple to make and they don't require special ingredients or trips to specialty stores. The emphasis is on hearty, home-style meals that come together quickly. I love making easy one-bowl meals on weeknights when I don't have a lot of time to cook, and this cookbook fills that need for filling entrees that I can get on the table quickly. In keeping with the Engine 2 guidelines, there are only a few recipes (maybe six) that use tofu, but the rest do not include refined grains, vegan meat substitutes, or added salt, or extracted oils.

Each recipe includes clearly broken-down instructions, along with the recommended serving size. I wish that the total prep and cooking times had been included. Scattered throughout are also small blurbs where people who have been following the Engine 2 lifestyle talk about how it has benefited them. Also, there is a thorough index at the back of the book, but I wish that each main chapter section had included a list of the recipes that would be in them or that there was a master Table of Contents that included all the recipe titles at the front of the book to make it easier to find things.

AAlso, while I love the Engine 2 recipes I've made in the past, I tend not to cook from those prior books that often since I like photos to inspire me to try out recipes, and those previous books only contained the recipes at the very end, with no photos. While there aren't photos for every single recipe, there are quite a few.

Since I subscribe to the Engine 2 newsletter, I've already had the chance to try out two of the recipes from this book -- the Magnetic Rice Salad (which I brought to Christmas Eve dinner this year -- and which was a total hit!) and the Hot Shot Biscotti. I'm including photos of both recipes from the book so you can see how lovely the photos are, as well as photos of two other pages so you can see the overall layout.

Here's to a healthy 2018!

UPDATE ON 12-29-17: Last night I made the Yummy Yam and Split Pea Soup (see third photo). I couldn't find yams or split peas (yellow or otherwise) at my local store, so I made it with sweet potatoes and red lentils in my Instant Pot. It came out good; it did lack the richness of similar recipes I've made that use coconut milk or oil, but was still hearty and delicious.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2018
I've come to the conclusion that any cookbook that involves one or more Esselstyns is wonderful, just by definition. This book is certainly no exception.

I love that this was not written by a chef. It was written by home cooks who know what it's like to keep a family well fed while working full time. I have a whole library of vegan books, but the thing I like about this one is... it doesn't tell you how to create a wonderful vegan masterpiece that your family will love. It tells you how to get dinner on the table. And your family will love it. There are a number of complex and delicious recipes (the two lasagnas come to mind) that take some time to cook (bake two, put one in your freezer for later, if you're going to go to all that trouble). But mostly there are very creative and tasty recipes made from what's in your fridge, freezer and pantry.

For me, the sauce chapter is the shining star of the book. For every sauce, there is at least one suggestion as to how to use it to put a meal together. With a good sauce (and all of these are GOOD!) you can toss together a tasty meal. And the hummus options are outstanding! I'm working my way through them, but I can already tell that many of them will earn a place in my regular rotation. I double and triple the recipes and keep them in small containers in the freezer. On many nights, dinner goes like this: Scoop some leftover starch (brown rice, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, whatever's in the fridge) in a bowl, top with leftover beans (or canned, if nothing's cooked), chop in some greens and whatever veggies are in the fridge or freezer, and turn it into something special with one of the spectacular sauces. Boom. A swoon-worthy dinner done in the time it takes to nuke it all. Toss a salad and call it good. This also makes lunch easy to pull together in the morning before work.

These people are very serious about getting you to eat oil-free WFPB. This book makes it as easy as possible without skimping on flavor or compromising your health. If you follow the suggestions in this book, you will be able to toss a delicious, ridiculously healthy dinner on the table in no time. Finally, a WFPB cookbook that fits my lifestyle!
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Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2024
I am not plant base-but this book is truly helping me incorporate better meals. The recipes I've tried so far have been outrageously delicious-the book itself is beautifully photographed. Really a wonderful wonderful book.
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2024
Well made, easy to find recipes. Very good cookbook
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2018
This is a great cookbook for those already familiar with whole-foods, plant-based eating. We have fixed about 1/4 of the recipes so far and love them all!

For everyone else, you might want to read some of the other books out there first to better understand why this is a healthy way to eat/live. Using this book to "jump in" without understanding "why" will be disappointing at best. Going low/no-salt, low-fat, low-sugar means your tastebuds WILL adjust and these recipes WILL be flavorful but it takes time and if you don't WHY you're doing this, you'll most likely give up on cooking/eating this way.

What IS lacking in this book is an estimated prep and cook time. You need to read through the recipes to make sure you have the time (e.g. Terrific Teriyaki bowl is yummy but plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour cooking/baking before you can eat -- or prep in advance!)
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Top reviews from other countries

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Sunny
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent recipes to help control weight and important health value markers.
Reviewed in Canada on October 4, 2024
I am enjoying the recipes and liking the food.
Dann/Tash
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant healthy plant based recipes
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 16, 2020
One of my best plant based cookbooks. I'm not sure why the review score is so low here.

Yes, it's American so it is slanted towards that audience, but I have had no trouble finding the ingredients used here in the UK.

And yes. It is a health promoting plant based recipe book, not a vegan junk food recipe book. There are plenty of those kind of books already available.

This is a beautifully bound hardback with lots of colour pictures to help inspire you.

I feel the previous reviewer was a little unfair to literally judge the book just by looking at it and not by trying the recipes! To cook without oil you... Well, stop using it. There are a few products that can help and you can easily learn how to do this from Jane Esselstyn's YouTube channel.

Each to their own, but if you are interested in healthy plant based home cooking then there are lots of good recipes in this book.

If you are not sure if it is for you, look at the Engine 2 Plantstrong website as you could look at (and try!) some of the recipes there to see what sort of book this is.

The Esselstyn family is an institution in this area. Look up who Rip Esselstyn is. Super healthy plant strong athlete, healthy lifestyle advocate and one of the producers of The Gamechangers film.
Felix Kugelmann
5.0 out of 5 stars Delicious and easy
Reviewed in Germany on February 20, 2018
Great recopiés. Tried already some. Easy to make and delicious. I think it will help me a lot taking my diet to another level
Samara
4.0 out of 5 stars Cheap, easy and cheerful
Reviewed in Spain on December 26, 2017
Easy cookbook. Good if you are new to cooking or to veganism. I have seen most of the recipes free on Youtube or food blogs. I bought the kindle version and don't feel that I wasted my money, but I definitely would not fork out for the hardback. I especially like the sauces and dips section as all the sauces are versatile and can be used on anything from salads to sauces for noodles or on top of rice or as a filling for your baked potato. If you are looking for a sophisticated cook book then this is not for you. Cheap, easy and cheerful.
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely for a foodie
Reviewed in Canada on August 3, 2021
Having tried vegetarian/vegan before with other cookbooks and reverting back because I couldn't stick with such a sad eating plan, I bought the Engine 2 - 7 day rescue, then this cookbook. As a senior and foodie, without weight issues, but having Stage 2 hypertension, I felt forced to try it one more time. This book has great recipes and an assortment of converted ethnic sauces that are delicious and easy to prepare. The challenge has been ensuring to source good quality produce so the results are spectacular. So many other cookbooks amp up the drab flavor with Mexican spices and recipes but these are not a favorite and "get old fast", especially when one is trying to eat this way forever. (The hypertension normalized without having to add meds. ) So I can recommend this cookbook both for health benefits and great easy recipes, once you prep your kitchen.