![The Homemade Vegan Pantry: The Art of Making Your Own Staples [A Cookbook]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/A1Hfu1BKL0L._AC_UL200_SR200,200_.jpg)
Smoked Paprika. You need this. I s*** you not.
Now ...
First off, let me say I don't cook because it's fun and I enjoy it, I cook to eat.
Growing up in a rural area, my Mom pretty much always used the basic seasonings: salt, pepper, margarine, and bacon grease.
When she could afford to buy butter, she'd use that.
I'll spare you the details, but we ate kinda poor. Simple, plain, filling, cheap.
I'm sure some of you know what I'm talking about.
Things got better as us kids got older, and Mom expanded her repertoire by adding more herbs and spices, and somewhat better cuts of meat.
That's how I learned to cook. I always liked it, and continued to cook the same way after I got married--to Mr. Pickypants McFuss-a-lot. (How did *that* happen?)
Been married a long time, been cooking a lot longer and it gets boring, monotonous, tedious. I ask *him* what he'd like to have for dinner, and he invariably says, "Spaghetti" or "meatloaf."
*sigh*
You know what I'm saying. Despite him, I have tried to change it up over the years.
Dropped bacon grease *years* ago. I really miss it sometimes.
Um, yes. Thug Kitchen is a recipe book of vegan dishes. Don't be like my husband and sneer at me, "It's not going to work."
{see me rolling my eyes?}
Don't be stupid. I am not trying to turn anyone into a vegan. I am a card-carrying, dyed-in-the-wool, affirmed and declared Non-Vegetarian. Check the snippy, dogmatic attitude at the door.
I've been cooking for a really long damn time (started back when my mother broke her back when I was about 10), and get sick of it. However, I rather enjoy eating (obviously). It's one of the few pleasures I have left. I don't cook for fun or because I like playing with food, I cook to eat. Unfortunately, I happen to like most of my own cooking. And chocolate.
Anyhow, I saw the trailer/ad for this cookbook, thought it was freakin' hilarious, and pre-ordered one. ($14.61 for the hard back edition in October 2014. I love books, too.) When it arrived, I tried a few of the recipes, laughing through each one as I read them, and bought five more to give as Christmas gifts.
Hell! I just read through it because it was so entertaining!
One of the many things I like about it is it doesn't come across with that self-righteous, holier-than-thou, stuck up, I'm-better-than-you-because-I'm-a-vegetarian-and-you're-a-murderer attitude. The *only* thing that kept me from giving more as gifts was the explicit language. Which I find to be funny as H*ll, but other people could be offended.
I kind of started to not care about that part.
But then I said, "Screw it!" and bought four more.
Anyhow, here's the tough part. For you avowed meat-eaters like myself, don't think of it as a vegan cookbook, crank back on the narrow minded, pigheaded-ness and think of it as a book of SIDE DISHES.
I know, right?
(Don't forget about the snacky stuff. Mm, mm, good!)
Fry your pork chops and have some 5-Spice Fried Rice (page 68) on the side. Or, cube those pork chops, or chicken, or beef, and throw it all *in* the fried rice.
Try to use your imagination.
Like, I couldn't find arugula at the grocery store, so I substituted a mixture of spinach and arugula bag o' salad.
Substitutions--you can do that. Radical idea.
Speaking of pork chops, the Smoky Maple Marinade (page 77) is *so good*.
So far, my daughter and I have decided that Spiced Chickpea Wraps with Tahini Dressing (page 32) is our absolute favorite. That stuff is delicious! I've made it several times and we tear it up. (I leave out the cayenne pepper for her.) Of course, the husband simply refuses to even try it. His loss, our gain. It means more for us!
And I don't feel as if I'm a low-life cretin for using canned beans. You can use canned or cook your own. They give instructions for cooking your own, if it's that important to you.
Novel concept, eh?
I recommend doubling the Tahini Dressing right off the bat.
Take a walk on the wild side and make the Pumpkin Chili (page 97). It would have never entered my mind to use canned pumpkin in that way. I was amazed. Of course, you could add meat if you like. It won't explode. I swear.
Shoot! Go ahead and top it with cheese and sour cream, or slather it on your hot dog! Who can't use a little beta carotene with their nitrates?
In some cases, I've had trouble finding a few of the ingredients called for in the recipes I've tried. (The writers make substitution suggestions, or you can substitute your own. Go figure.) There just *are* no Asian or other ethnic-non-whitish type, Non-American-ish markets here like some folks have in more populated areas; or the local grocery stores (there are two) just don't carry it. Like smoked paprika. Not a really exotic thing, but it's just not available in the stores here.
Bought it online. LOVE it!!!
On the Thug Kitchen website is a recipe for Frosted Gingerbread Bites. To die for! The husband did eat them, but I hid the recipe and got rid of the coconut milk can so he wouldn't see it and make those faces. He did not drop to the floor, curl up into the fetal position, and scream, "I'm melting. I'm melting!" (total Drama King. He got it honest.)
0_o
As with other good cookbooks, there are tips, tricks, suggestions, lots of "how-to" instructions, and guides for what primary (and inexpensive) kitchen tools to have. There's even a guide for stocking your pantry with some basic items so you always have something to eat in the house (if your picky, fussy, meat-n-potatoes hubby will eat it). And no, I don't have anything to do with the cookbook writers or publishers, I just like it.
Enjoy the book and the food you make. Eat some damn vegetables.
Smoked paprika. I bought some here on Amazon. (McCormick 8.5 ounce for $12.99. Then I bought more of that deliciousness to give as Christmas gifts.)
I'm just sayin'.
Unlike some other delicate flowers, I am *not* offended by the book being written by white folks, even though I'm an old, fat, white broad who should *not* cuss like a sailor (but I do). I happen to be old enough to remember when "thugs" were just punks, bad guys, dirtballs, and hoodlums of any ol' variety or color.
I *would* say that some of the colorful language is slightly overdone, but I didn't sit down and read the book cover to cover. I flipped through it, looked at the pretty pictures and graphics, thumbed through the index, scanned some recipes, etc., and have enjoyed it bit by bit.
There is a table of contents. It's called "The Track List."
Most of you will probably enjoy it, too.
Rick - MizzRick - GeezerWench
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Customer Review: I cook from this book every day
Tori Wright
Real review, trying to go vegetarian
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2015
i recently received this in the mail upon ordering. I have amazon prime so i go ti t fast. Most of the reviews ive read before purchasing this book are mostly people complaining about the cursing, that they didn't know it was vegan and that the ingredients are too "fancy". so before i give my review i want to say to those people; who buys things without reviewing them?? and then complains about i t afterwards?? I mean the trailer and entire motto wrapped around this book is cursing. OBVIOUSLY its going to be cursing... how are you surprised? which leads me to another complaint ive seen which says they are offended by the term "thug". UHM, it isn't literally them supporting thugs.. its like a metaphor.. they are thugs in the kitchen, they toughen you up and motivate you in almost a boot camp sort of way. therefore they're they thugs in the kitchen telling you how to get that sh*t right..Now as for the fancy ingredient complain.. one guy said smoked paprika was too fancy and hard to find... which is not.. at all.. it should be a staple in any cooks spice rack.. Aminos might be hard to find but i seen those even in low level market places and farmers markets or nurserys or co-ops.. health stores, nutritionists or a damn WHOLE FOODS! if you are motivated and want to change your diet you will find these and if you cannot then there's always online.. and how do you not know its vegan?? again, how do you buy a product...especially a COOKBOOK and not read detail info about it?!?! with all the gmo and crazy processes they're doing lately its surprising people aren't paying attention to minor details like that and then they complain about it like if the author set them up...*sigh*Now for my honest review; first Id like to say im Hispanic and raised with ethnic foods. Cuban to be precise. Much of the sides and Spanish dishes am familiar with and can use more spices and salt. but that's just my palette. If you are starting off on actual real food and moving away from fast food or just want to train your taste buds, these recipes are perfectly balanced! Many leftovers you can freeze for another time.They are delicious and i dont miss the meat. I do admit it takes prep time and cook time. sometimes i cook for 5 hours but im cooking like 3 different things plus dessert so its different. I'm trying to establish a routine where the most used items are already cutup and stored somehow for easy access.. perhaps when i do a week food prep. also lotsa beans in here which is awesome for slow cookers. I love the baked apple beans. I added 2 apples instead and its so damn good!!! you don't miss the meat at all... i do wish there were more recipes and more versatile breakfast ideas with more fruit but its still a good way to kick-start a detox or life style.. it weans you and really does motivate you if you don't mind the potty mouth. and from someone who curses a lot this isn't really a lot and its funny. sometimes i don't notice it. it truly speaks to me and it is educational as fu*k.definitely a good buy and a good read. not too exotic things on here that i saw.. i haven't tried their tempeh or tofu recipe but there really isn't much. Their sweet potatoes fried rice is also yummy and they have this peanut dipping sauce yum! you will have to switch up some of your spices and pantry items but that's what eating healthy is. Switching up what you've been raised to believe is healthy or even food. Think for yourself and bring your mind back to reality with real food and nourishment.Their grilled peach salsa is also yummy and i be putting it on everything. Some recipes i feel are missing something but maybe thats just my habits and culture that are used to different sides a big slab of meat. I feel like this would if anything be a good cookbook of healthy sides and good for introducing your infant to good food after their puree stage or even puree some recipes for baby. look up spices and baby food. make your own!! its cheaper and safer and more nutritious! Check out my pics!
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2015
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 7, 2014
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 26, 2015
Now as for the fancy ingredient complain.. one guy said smoked paprika was too fancy and hard to find... which is not.. at all.. it should be a staple in any cooks spice rack.. Aminos might be hard to find but i seen those even in low level market places and farmers markets or nurserys or co-ops.. health stores, nutritionists or a damn WHOLE FOODS! if you are motivated and want to change your diet you will find these and if you cannot then there's always online.. and how do you not know its vegan?? again, how do you buy a product...especially a COOKBOOK and not read detail info about it?!?! with all the gmo and crazy processes they're doing lately its surprising people aren't paying attention to minor details like that and then they complain about it like if the author set them up...*sigh*
Now for my honest review; first Id like to say im Hispanic and raised with ethnic foods. Cuban to be precise. Much of the sides and Spanish dishes am familiar with and can use more spices and salt. but that's just my palette. If you are starting off on actual real food and moving away from fast food or just want to train your taste buds, these recipes are perfectly balanced! Many leftovers you can freeze for another time.
They are delicious and i dont miss the meat. I do admit it takes prep time and cook time. sometimes i cook for 5 hours but im cooking like 3 different things plus dessert so its different. I'm trying to establish a routine where the most used items are already cutup and stored somehow for easy access.. perhaps when i do a week food prep. also lotsa beans in here which is awesome for slow cookers. I love the baked apple beans. I added 2 apples instead and its so damn good!!! you don't miss the meat at all... i do wish there were more recipes and more versatile breakfast ideas with more fruit but its still a good way to kick-start a detox or life style.. it weans you and really does motivate you if you don't mind the potty mouth. and from someone who curses a lot this isn't really a lot and its funny. sometimes i don't notice it. it truly speaks to me and it is educational as fu*k.
definitely a good buy and a good read. not too exotic things on here that i saw.. i haven't tried their tempeh or tofu recipe but there really isn't much. Their sweet potatoes fried rice is also yummy and they have this peanut dipping sauce yum! you will have to switch up some of your spices and pantry items but that's what eating healthy is. Switching up what you've been raised to believe is healthy or even food. Think for yourself and bring your mind back to reality with real food and nourishment.
Their grilled peach salsa is also yummy and i be putting it on everything. Some recipes i feel are missing something but maybe thats just my habits and culture that are used to different sides a big slab of meat. I feel like this would if anything be a good cookbook of healthy sides and good for introducing your infant to good food after their puree stage or even puree some recipes for baby. look up spices and baby food. make your own!! its cheaper and safer and more nutritious! Check out my pics!
Real review, trying to go vegetarian
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 26, 2015
i recently received this in the mail upon ordering. I have amazon prime so i go ti t fast. Most of the reviews ive read before purchasing this book are mostly people complaining about the cursing, that they didn't know it was vegan and that the ingredients are too "fancy". so before i give my review i want to say to those people; who buys things without reviewing them?? and then complains about i t afterwards?? I mean the trailer and entire motto wrapped around this book is cursing. OBVIOUSLY its going to be cursing... how are you surprised? which leads me to another complaint ive seen which says they are offended by the term "thug". UHM, it isn't literally them supporting thugs.. its like a metaphor.. they are thugs in the kitchen, they toughen you up and motivate you in almost a boot camp sort of way. therefore they're they thugs in the kitchen telling you how to get that sh*t right..Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on April 26, 2015
Now as for the fancy ingredient complain.. one guy said smoked paprika was too fancy and hard to find... which is not.. at all.. it should be a staple in any cooks spice rack.. Aminos might be hard to find but i seen those even in low level market places and farmers markets or nurserys or co-ops.. health stores, nutritionists or a damn WHOLE FOODS! if you are motivated and want to change your diet you will find these and if you cannot then there's always online.. and how do you not know its vegan?? again, how do you buy a product...especially a COOKBOOK and not read detail info about it?!?! with all the gmo and crazy processes they're doing lately its surprising people aren't paying attention to minor details like that and then they complain about it like if the author set them up...*sigh*
Now for my honest review; first Id like to say im Hispanic and raised with ethnic foods. Cuban to be precise. Much of the sides and Spanish dishes am familiar with and can use more spices and salt. but that's just my palette. If you are starting off on actual real food and moving away from fast food or just want to train your taste buds, these recipes are perfectly balanced! Many leftovers you can freeze for another time.
They are delicious and i dont miss the meat. I do admit it takes prep time and cook time. sometimes i cook for 5 hours but im cooking like 3 different things plus dessert so its different. I'm trying to establish a routine where the most used items are already cutup and stored somehow for easy access.. perhaps when i do a week food prep. also lotsa beans in here which is awesome for slow cookers. I love the baked apple beans. I added 2 apples instead and its so damn good!!! you don't miss the meat at all... i do wish there were more recipes and more versatile breakfast ideas with more fruit but its still a good way to kick-start a detox or life style.. it weans you and really does motivate you if you don't mind the potty mouth. and from someone who curses a lot this isn't really a lot and its funny. sometimes i don't notice it. it truly speaks to me and it is educational as fu*k.
definitely a good buy and a good read. not too exotic things on here that i saw.. i haven't tried their tempeh or tofu recipe but there really isn't much. Their sweet potatoes fried rice is also yummy and they have this peanut dipping sauce yum! you will have to switch up some of your spices and pantry items but that's what eating healthy is. Switching up what you've been raised to believe is healthy or even food. Think for yourself and bring your mind back to reality with real food and nourishment.
Their grilled peach salsa is also yummy and i be putting it on everything. Some recipes i feel are missing something but maybe thats just my habits and culture that are used to different sides a big slab of meat. I feel like this would if anything be a good cookbook of healthy sides and good for introducing your infant to good food after their puree stage or even puree some recipes for baby. look up spices and baby food. make your own!! its cheaper and safer and more nutritious! Check out my pics!
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on June 7, 2023
Top reviews from other countries
bananas crazy121
Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on September 23, 2016
ThatsGood
For a change, go for it.
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on April 5, 2018
ThatsGood
Reviewed in India 🇮🇳 on April 5, 2018
I love this book and the language it’s been written on.its a change for a mood.
The recipes are awesome and easily understandable.
The hardcover is strong and is sturdy.
It’s written with ease so that an amateur can easily understand what the recipe is asking for.
The book gives you the clear direction of what is to be bought and what needs to be done.
I’m not a vegan but there are some really good recipes in there which everyone should try.
Images in this review
Elrond
Fantastic Recipes + Great Fun To Read
Reviewed in Germany 🇩🇪 on October 15, 2016
