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117 of 127 found the following review helpful:
 Disappointing Jun 24, 2010
By Tilly
I had high expectations for this book but, in the end, I can not recommend it.
I found this book in the wonderful, old-fashioned Shackford's Kitchen Supply in Napa, California and I couldn't wait to try the recipes. Since I prefer to grind my spices as needed, I was undaunted by that aspect of the book. I get most of my whole spices from World Market, or an Indian grocery store. I did have difficulty finding the whole allspice (I don't normally use allspice), but I eventually found the berries at Smart and Final.
The first dish I tried from this book was Moussaka with Artichokes, Tomatoes and Potatoes. The note for this recipe indicated that this dish baked in a slow cooker "may be a bit juicier than if baked in an open casserole dish in the oven." Perhaps I am arguing semantics here, but I would describe the resulting dish as "watery" rather than "juicy." I have never tasted actual moussaka before, so I cannot say whether this dish tasted similar, but I did not care for either the flavor or the consistency. I will not be making this dish again.
The next dish I tried was Creamy Dal because I am on a continual search for a recipe for whole lentil Indian dal that rivals the dals served at my favorite Indian restaurant. This was not it. The recipe calls for 4-5 cups of water, indicating that 4 cups would produce a stew consistency, whereas 5 cups would produce a porridge consistency. Since I like the consistency of my dals somewhere in-between, I used 4-1/2 cups of water. However, the finished dal was extremely soupy - so much so that I believe the minimum four cups of water would still have made it too watery!
In addition, I found that the proportions of the spices indicated in the Creamy Dal recipe were odd. The recipes in my Indian cookbooks use larger quantities of spices than this recipe did. I was especially baffled by the "pinch of curry to taste" which was to be added at the end of the cooking time. In my experience, if curry powder is used, it is usually included with the rest of the spices at the beginning of the cooking time, and it is measured in teaspoons rather than "pinches". When the Creamy Dal was finished, the resulting dish was bland in comparison to the dals I have been served at Indian restaurants or even in comparison to those I have made by following recipes in other cookbooks. According to the options given in the recipe, I had already increased the amount of chili when I added the spices to the onion but, in the end, the balance of spices wasn't right. I added more curry powder "to taste," which improved the dish somewhat, but I will not be making this recipe again either.
The third dish I made was Risotto with Lentils. I have made traditional risotto several times at home, as well as enjoying it in restaurants, so I have a fair understanding of what a risotto is and how it is made. I was surprised by the fact that the recipe called for water rather than vegetable stock and wine, since a lot of the subtle flavor in a risotto is supplied by the liquid. I also suspected that the stated amount of liquid might be excessive but I chose to give the author the benefit of the doubt. The recipe doesn't indicate what kind of lentils to use (black, brown, red, yellow, or green) or whether they are whole, split, or hulled - the cooking times vary for the different forms of lentils; however, since there appeared to be hulled, split yellow lentils in the photograph that accompanies the recipe in the book, that's what I used. Aside from that minor glitch, I followed the recipe faithfully.
The serving suggestion for this recipe was to accompany it with grilled vegetables, which I did. The vegetables were excellent; the risotto was overcooked and gluey. A risotto, by definition, should be creamy while the grains of rice remain separate and firm. This dish was a viscous mush, and it didn't even have much flavor! It was a complete waste of ingredients, time and energy: I threw it out. I will definitely not be making this again!
After three disappointing recipes, I am reluctant to try any more from this book. I like the theory behind this book. I agree with the practice of grinding spices as needed. I also agree with the practice of cooking some ingredients outside of the slow cooker and then adding them to the dish instead of cooking everything in the slow cooker. However, these principles can be applied to any slow cooker recipe. The fact remains that, while the recipes in this book may seem gourmet, those dishes I tried were extremely disappointing. I have had excellent results with recipes from the books "Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker" by Robin Robertson and "125 Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes" by Judith Finlayson, so I will continue to use them instead. I would recommend either (or both) of these books instead of "The Gourmet Vegetarian Slow Cooker."
90 of 99 found the following review helpful:
 International Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes (Gourmet Yet Accessible) Mar 08, 2010
By S. D. Fischer
I haven't been overly impressed with the vegetarian slow cooker cookbooks that I have seen so I was happy to discover the publication of a new one. Gourmet Vegetarian Slow Cooker: Simple and Sophisticated Meals from Around the World doesn't disappoint.
In the introduction, the author discusses how she prefers inexpensive slow cookers over their fancier, more expensive counterparts (which often have more parts, such as digital control panels, that are susceptible to breaking). She mentions that the possible drawback of less expensive models, uneven heating, can easily be addressed by rotating the slow cooker insert midway through cooking.
The author provides a brief overview of ingredients with helpful tips about selecting beans, choosing the specialty salt best suited to a dish (which she recommends but is not a requirement for recipes), and grinding your own spices for maximum freshness. The only equipment suggested is a slow cooker, immersion blender, electric coffee mill (for grinding spices) and a mortar and pestle (another way to grind spices).
Recipes are divided into regions of cuisine: India, Mexico and the Southwest, Asia, Italy, France, Greece, and the Middle East. Recipes are mainly for main dishes and side dishes but there are a few for breakfast, appetizers and desserts.
Of the 57 recipes, 17 are accompanied by a full page color photo of the finished dish.
I liked that the author recommends a beverage for each recipe. For instance, she suggests a hearty red Tuscan wine with the Tuscan White Beans with Sage and Garlic and a "dry, acidic white wine such as an Alsatian Pinot Gris or a Riesling, or a good, fruity mountain red" with the French Alpine Cheese, Tomato, and Onion Soup. For the Barley, Mushroom, and Onion Soup, she suggests a beer.
The first chapter provides the following recipes from India:
-Spiced Basmati Rice Breakfast Cereal
-Curried Chickpeas with Fresh Ginger and Cilantro
-Creamy Dal
-Dal with Ground Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamom, and Cumin
-Stuffed Peppers with Yogurt Sauce
-Waari Muth
-Potatoes and Carrots in Coconut Curry
-Mogul Eggplant
-Minted Potato and Chickpea Curry
-Spicy Indian Lentil and Tomato Soup
-Tomato, Rice, and Coriander Soup
The second chapter includes the following recipes from Mexico and the Southwest:
-My Favorite Chili
-Vegetable Amarillo
-Slow-Cooked Grits with Chili and Cheese
-Spaghetti Squash with Mexican Spices
-Mexican Black Bean Soup
-Rustic Potato and Poblano Gratin
-Stacked Cauliflower Enchilada with Green Chili Sauce
-Sopa de Ajo
-Mexican Chocolate Pudding Cake
The third chapter features the following recipes from Asia:
-Soy-Braised Potatoes
-Potatoes and Peas in Red Curry Sauce
-Margaret Hughes's Green Vegetable Curry
-Korean-Style Black Beans
-Butternut Squash in Green Curry Sauce
-Japanese-Style Braised Tofu
The next chapter includes recipes from Italy including:
-Cracked Wheat Berries with Honey and Ricotta
-Risotto with Lentils
-Polenta Lasagna with Tomato-Mushroom Sauce
-Barley, Mushroom, and Onion Soup
-Polenta Gnocchi in Tomato Sauce
-Tuscan White Beans with Sage and Garlic
-Fonduta Piemontese
-Red Wine and Cherry Risotto
The fifth chapter includes recipes from France including:
-French Alpine Cheese, Tomato, and Onion Soup
-Cold Provencal White Bean Salad
-Scalloped Potatoes Auvergnats
-Smoky Potage Saint-Germain
-Egg, Cheese, and Onion Quiche
-Uncle Bob's Green Lentil Salad
-Steamed Artichokes
-Walnut and Apple Bread Pudding
The next chapter includes the following recipes from Greece:
-Greek-Style Fava Beans and Tomatoes
-Stuffed Greek Onions
-Greek Lemon, Artichoke and Egg Soup
-Potato, Artichoke, and Mushroom Stew with Kalamata Olives
-Stuffed Peppers Florina
-Moussaka with Artichokes, Tomatoes and Potatoes
-Wild Mushroom Stew on Noodles
-Yellow Split Pea and Oregano Puree
-Baby Limas with Spinach
The last chapter includes recipes from the Middle East including:
-Lebanese Eggplant Stew
-Chickpea Fattet "Tostadas"
-Hot or Cold Lentils in Lemon Juice
-Armenian Apricot Soup
-Armenian Khavits
-Chickpea Harira
Most of the ingredients should be available in Whole Foods and other high-end grocery stores. The exception would be some of the spices (such as galangal, also known as Thai ginger), varieties of dried mushrooms and certain peppers. The author recommends Penzeys Spices for hard to find spices and also recommends five websites for specialty sea salts. I should note that the recipes call for the chef to use salt "to taste" rather than recommending specific salts and/or an amount so cooks can use table salt and/or kosher salt (whatever they have at hand) if they so desire.
51 of 56 found the following review helpful:
Many recipes inconvenient Apr 25, 2010
By Little Amy Dorrit
Upon first glance at this book, I thought I was going to really like it. I already have a large collection of vegetarian cookbooks, but I was drawn to this book as it has the type of recipes that appeal to me. I also like that the book has very nice pictures and that the author offers serving suggestions.
I was anxious to try the Dal with Ground Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamom and Cumin. Unfortunately, when I looked at the recipe, I noticed it called for cinnamon stick, whole cloves, cardamom pods, and cumin seeds. The instructions say to grind these to a powder. I then noticed this is the case for many of the recipes, especially those that interest me. The required grinding negates what I like about slow cooking- that it simplifies my meal preparations. The author offers an explanation in the beginning for why she grinds the spices, but it is just not realistic for me. Plus, I have had great meals using powders and have not been more impressed with personally ground spices.
I did try some of the recipes that don't call for grinding. The Korean Black Beans, super-easy with only 4 ingredients, tasted ok I guess, but needed something more. The Japanese style braised tofu with miso was also just ok, even though I'm a big miso fan, and it wasn't a hit with others. I wanted to try the Curried Chickpeas, but I was not going to grind cumin seeds, peppercorns, whole cloves, and cardamom pods. The Chili required grinding as well.
I'd be interested in one recipe after the next only to be disappointed by the extra work (including the extra clean-up). In my opinion, a "simple" recipe does not add unnecessary steps, and the word simple is right on this cover. Conversions for using pre-ground spices were not provided. Therefore, this book is not for me. If this is not an issue for you, perhaps you'll like it.
By the way, many recipes contain dairy and honey. A few have eggs. However, there are also a number of vegan or easily adapted recipes. Nutrition information is not provided. It is a paperback book of the type that would probably stay open on its own with frequent use.
10 of 11 found the following review helpful:
 Terrific Vegetarian Slow Cooker Cookbook Jun 24, 2010
By M. Hill
I love using my slow cooker and am always on the watch for new ideas. It makes sense to take advantage of the energy I possess first thing in the morning to get dinner started so it is ready when, at day's end, I'm simply too tired to come up with a creative meal. Although not strict vegetarians, we try to avoid meat at least a few times a week. This book is perfect for my needs.
The 57 recipes are organized by country - India, Mexico and The Southwest, Asia, Italy, France, Greece and the Middle East. This is a clever plan as it permits the user to decide on a group or flavors they are in the mood for and make a selection from an area of the world.
Black ink, with the list of ingredients in bold print, makes reading the recipes easier than in many recent cookbooks where pale ink colors, like aqua, seem to be the trend. The font could be a little bigger. The publishers should make the font size selection after first laying the book on a counter and attempting to read it from a standing position. This is a paperback book, so it doesn't stay open as it lays on the counter top, so a cookbook holder is helpful.
There aren't many photos, but most slow cooker recipes probably aren't picture perfect as they are scooped out and served. More helpful than a photo are the author's suggestions for appropriate beverages to accompany each dish.
From the Italy section, I prepared the Polenta Lasagna with Tomato-Mushroom Sauce and it was delicious. The dish had a satisfying "comfort food" texture and I will definitely prepare it again. The tomato sauce was very fresh tasting. Note that the recipe contains three separate cheeses, mozzarella, ricotta and parmesan cheese, so it is definitely not vegan.
From Mexico and The Southwest, I prepared Rustic Potato and Poblano Gratin as a rich side dish which worked beautifully with grilled vegetables. Again this is not a vegan dish, but it was complex enough to be a perfect accompaniment to simple grilled fare.
From the France section I prepared the Egg, Cheese and Onion Quiche. The recipe contains one cup of toasted breadcrumbs, sprinkled on the bottom of the slow cooker, which serves as a pseudo quiche crust. The dish was delicious and a nice change of pace. In addition to the mushrooms and onion, this is a recipe where the reader can take some liberties and add a few more vegetables to customize it to taste. Obviously, this too is not a vegan recipe.
Some of the recipes in the book are vegan and many can be adapted by substituting non-dairy ingredients. The recipes I prepared had no errors to impede preparation and I am anxious to try more. This is a cookbook with imaginative combinations and is a great addition to a vegetarian cookbook library and would make a good gift.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
 Tasty but hard to use Jan 10, 2011
By TT
This book has some fun recipe ideas that you won't find in other cookbooks, and it is helpfully organized by cuisine (Greek, French, Southwest, etc.) I made the cauliflower green chile enchiladas and the flavor was super. I thought the dish was a bit soupy, but my neighbors loved it. I have to comment on the grind-your-own spices issue. I don't want to do it and can't figure out the substitutions--that leaves out the whole Indian section for me. It would have been helpful if some kind of substitution were offered. I realize that would have to be a range since commercial blends vary greatly. If I had more time to cook and experiment I would, but right now I am just trying to get dinner on the table each night.
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