Saturday, November 15, 2014

Plant POWER: by Nava Atlas Giveaway and Chickpea and Kale Sandwhich Spread

Perhaps one of the best known vegetarian and vegan cookbook authors, Nava Atlas, released the stunning new cookbook, Plant POWER. Containing more than 150 new and inspiring recipes, Plant POWER is much more than your average vegan cookbook. It’s a primer and guide for regaining your health and vitality from the food at the end of your fork. The subtitle, Transform your Kitchen, Plate, and Life, sets high standards for what follows, and remarkably, this book delivers all it promises. 


As some long-time readers will recall, I reviewed and loved Ms. Atlas’s last cookbook, Wild About Greens and I’m happy to report that Plant POWER supersedes it's predecessor. From the moment it arrived, I knew I was holding something special. In fact, it has become my go-to recommended book for anyone interested in learning more about plant-based diets or healthy cooking.

Besides the 150 + recipes, Nava Atlas has dedicated nearly half of the book to introducing readers to different aspects of plant-based diets. This section touches on the health, environmental and animal rights reasons for eating a plant-based diet, as well as includes tips on how to live a plant powered life. The book includes over 70 stunning and full color photos (my only complaint about Wild About Greens) and most recipes include variations so you can easily make the recipe fit any preferred eating style (I was particularly impress to see she included substitutions for recipes with oil).

I often say that eating a healthy, whole food vegan diet is becoming easier than ever. Plant POWER practically takes the challenge out of meal-planning and I can say with conviction that there is something for everyone contained within these pages.

The recipes focus on simple and healthy foods made with real, fresh, and easy to find ingredients. Most are prepped, cooked, and ready to be served in thirty minutes. Because of all of these successes, I guarantee that Plant POWER will not be spending too much time on my bookshelf, as I will be referencing it frequently for inspiration and new tips.



Chickpea and Kale Sandwich Spread (From Nava Atlas’ Plant POWER)

I served the spread open-faced style with chopped purple cabbage and tomatoes on top of toasted, sprouted bread. It was absolutely delicious, and only takes about 15 minutes to prepare.

Serves 3 to 4

2 medium kale leaves, rinsed well (or a handful of baby spinach or arugula)
1 medium carrot, cut into chunks
2 cups cooked or 1 can of chickpeas (drained)2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/3 cup vegan mayonnaise or tahini (I did tahini)
2 teaspoons mustard
1-2 scallons, green parts only (optional)
¼ cup fresh parsley or 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh dill
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Green Sprouts (optional)


 

Combine the kale and carrot in a food processor or multi-speed high powered blender and pulse until finely chopped.

Add the remaining ingredients and pulse again until the chickpeas are evenly chopped and everything is nicely blended – don’t overprocess.

Serve as is, or cover and refrigerate until needed.


THE GIVEAWAY!

Now for the part you have been waiting for. I am happy to announce Nava Atlas has agreed to send a copy of her new book to one lucky reader! Here are the rules. First, the winner needs to live in the United States (sorry international readers, no disrespect). Second, you must be a subscriber to BYOL. There are a few ways to win. First, leave a comment on this blog post about why you think this book will be useful. You can also like BYOL on Facebook, or follow BYOL on Twitter. You can get points by liking and following Nava Atlas on Facebook or Twitter as well. Finally, share this on your social media by tagging both BYOL and Nava Atlas in your post. The contest will end on Friday, November 28th at 12:00 a.m. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
As always the information presented in this blog is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered as specific medical, nutritional, lifestyle, or other health-related advice.

6 comments:

  1. I'm always looking for new variations in my diet. :)

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  2. I think this book will open up new ways to serve some vegetables that we may have gotten into a rut when preparing. I can't wait to see what yummies are in there.

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  3. I am new to the plant based diet and I think this book will help me to expand my plant based knowledge and aid in delicious new recipes to try!

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  4. I failed my vegan challenge, maybe this would help!

    (Thanks for the motivation Ant :P )

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  5. I failed my vegan challenge, maybe this would help!

    (Thanks for the motivation Ant!)

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  6. My husband and I are looking to try a more vegan oriented diet due to its highly praised health benefits, and I bet this book would be a great way to help us get started learning more about plant based diets while introducing some delicious recipes in the process.

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