When it comes to cookbooks, I am going for those fully vegan. I decided to make an exception this time. I really got intrigued by “Sacred & Declass. A modern Ayurvedic Cookbook” by Lisa Joy Mitchell.
The recipes are mostly vegetarian, but most of them can be made vegan and they are also gluten free (besides two). This is why i decided to give it a try. I wasn’t familiar with the Ayurvedic, Indian medicine at all. I do believe in the power of herbs and I wanted to learn more.
This book can be basically divided into two sections: what is Ayurvedic and recipes.
Again, I am an open minded person, so I read about Ayurvedic with interest. I don’t agree with everything I read. And I think that every person is different and their bodies are different. What will work for one, may not work for others.
There were things I didn’t like in the book, like use of eggs and ghee in the recipes. I don’t agree that meat is necessary for some in order to stay healthy. Not even small amount. Food is medicine and vegetables and fruits and herbs can do wonder to our bodies. So some statements from this book I don’t support. Also according to Ayurvedic wisdom raw food is not good, fermented food is not good, tomatoes are not good and at the end it becomes all overwhelming and too much. Again-what works for some, may not work for you. And I think that everything is ok, if used in moderation.
“Food, when used correctly, sustains and heals us; food when misused, will surely make us sick”– Lisa J. Mitchell
Author Lisa J. Mitchell is pointing out that you can use the vegetables or fruits with other ingredients in order to make them acceptable in Ayurvedic diet. Also in most cases ghee may be substituted by coconut oil. When it comes to eggs the book doesn’t give replacement options. I guess one could experiment with egg replacer options and see what works. I personally though like when my cook book gives me vegan alternative options.
That being said I may not follow the whole Ayurvedic concept. I may not be convinced that this is the perfect solution to everybody’s health, but I do love the recipes, that use all kind of herbs. I believe in the power of herbs, and I would like to use them more in my daily cooking.
I like though what Ayurvedic is teaching. “Ayurvedic is holistic approach to both conscious eating and conscious living that can heal disease, resolve acute health problems, and establish ongoing wellness.” Lisa J. Mitchell
The recipes in the book include breakfast, breads and beverages. Also vegetable soups, legume-based soups, entrees, side dishes, salads, desserts. Most of the baked goods call for eggs. But most of the baked goods are gluten free.
I will for sure be trying the soups. They sound really great. Some dishes that I am familiar with, have different sets of ingredients or herbs, from what I am using. So I am looking forward to add those herbs in my dishes as well.
The whole book is nicely designed and explains concept of Ayurvedic. There are illustrations and photographs accompanying the book. (I wish each recipe had a photo, but still there is plenty of amount of photographs).
If you are interested in Ayurvedic concept, than this may be a good choice for you. But this book is pretty good even for the recipes. (Again they are mostly vegetarian, but can be made vegan).
General rating: ★★★★
Book received for promotional purpose.
Thank you Get Red PR.