I have always loved kedgeree. In our house, it was a way to use up leftover rice and combining it with cooked smoked haddock and hard-boiled eggs.
I remember my gran making it by simply sauteed an onion in butter then added the rice and fish and seasoned with pepper. There was no curry powder involved at all, so when I started cooking for myself, I was surprised to find that kedgeree was a spiced recipe.
This recipe comes from a cookbook called ‘the flexible vegetarian’ which I’m going to tell you about in fact…
I have two cookbooks to tell you about and I have two copies of each to GIVEAWAY!
the flexible vegetarian by Jo Pratt
Whether you’re an occasional meat-eater, a vegetarian who needs to cook for meat-eaters, or even a dedicated veggie, you’ll find this very flexible book filled with delicious and practical recipes for every lifestyle. Add a simple meat or fish option to the vegetarian recipe and you have a book that caters for both parties.
About the Author
A TV cook and author of five books, Jo Pratt is a regular contributor to BBC Good Food and Waitrose magazines and often appears on shows such as Channel 4 ‘What’s Cooking?’.
She has worked with Marcus Waring, Gary Rhodes, and many more high-profile chefs and brands. She is also the executive chef of the award-winning restaurant The Gorgeous Kitchen.
Jo has come up with the clever concept of creating recipes you can cook with or without meat or fish and it’s from this book that the Kedgeree recipes comes, but more of that later.
So what is a ‘flexible vegetarian’?
It could be someone who wants to cut down on meat and fish, or perhaps for someone who wants to stop eating meat completely, but still, cater for meat-eating family and friends.
I’m not a vegetarian, but I do like to make and eat meals without meat, so I was excited to see what this book could offer.
The Recipes
The flexible vegetarian is broken down into chapters on breakfast/brunch; soups/broths; small plates; big plates; dips/bits and finally Perfectly cooked meat/fish. Here are some of the recipes that stood out for me:
- Smoked bean and mushroom quesadillas
- Kedgeree with crispy shallots
- Carrot, coconut, and cardamom soup
- Miso courgette noodle broth
- Smashed bean, kale and tomato toast;
- Pea and carrot pakoras
- Sweet potato and chipotle bean tacos with chunky avocado salsa
- Southern mac’n’cheese with frizzled leeks
- Seasonal vegetable tarts
- Smoky roots and brazil nut crumble
- Tofu, miso and ginger dressing
- Coriander, peanut and chilli pesto
- .Spiced maple mustard pulled pork.
Who is it for?
Vegetarians and people who want to eat less meat. It’s particularly good for creating meals that can be adapted for vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
So if you have one person in your household who is a vegetarian and others who eat meat, this book will provide a great solution for you.
The Verdict
What I really liked about this book is that Jo’s recipes are not trying to recreate meat-based meals and they totally stand on their own.
What she has done is take those recipes and add suggestions as to how you could include meat or fish for non-vegetarians. I have a few more recipes bookmarked already, so it’s a winner for me.
Kedgeree with Crispy Shallots
This is one of the tastiest Kedgeree recipes I have eaten and as I do love kedgeree, I’ve tried quite a few. It certainly stands up on its own without fish,
However, although It’s always been a bit of a challenge for me to get fresh fish here on the farm, a new fish, fruit and vegetable van has started to deliver to our farm on a Friday.
Everything is really high quality and it’s such a pleasure to be able to get such great produce, that I decided to add the lovely undyed smoked haddock to the dish.
I didn’t have any shallots, but I’m sure they would add a lovely additional texture to the recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of this post to get the recipe.
Soulful Baker by Julie Jones
I have rarely seen a more beautiful book than Soulful Baker. Featuring breathtakingly beautiful creations that look as stunning unbaked as they do baked – including irresistible celebration cakes and treats, delicious breads and yeasted dough, chocolate dishes, desserts and a range of brunch ideas.
Soulful Baker takes you on a step by step journey into a culinary wonderland. The finish on the bakes is outstanding, the styling of the photographs is simple and unfussy and the photographs themselves are also excellent (hats off to Lisa Linder for those).
About the Author
In the Introduction, Julie comes across as warm and genuine. Her connection to her mother’s illness and how they both used baking as therapy is touching to read. There are lots of tips, techniques and how-tos to help you recreate the recipes. Soulful Baker is packed with drool-worthy recipes organised into Fruit Tarts & Pies, Cakes, Bakes & Treats; Bread & Yeasted Dough; Chocolate; Desserts; Weekend Breakfast & Brunch.
The Recipes
It was so difficult to choose favourites from Soulful Baker but here are the ones that made the shortlist:
- Strawberry Firework Tart with Candied Pistachios & Chocolate Flowers (cover photo)
- Deep Filled Apple Pie
- Coffee & Walnut MIni Loaf Cakes
- Blackcurrant Scones
- Swedish Kanelbullar (Cinnamon Buns)
- Caramel Bread; Salted Caramel & Chocolate Tart
- White Chocolate Creme Brulee Tart
- Plum and Oat Bars
Who is it for?
It’s a book for ambitious bakers whatever the level of experience. Don’t be put off by the immaculate presentation of the bakes, the recipes themselves are clearly explained and if you want a more relaxed presentation, then they will taste just the same. However, if you do want to get those ‘oohs and ahs’ when you present your cake, pie or dessert then Julie gives you the tools to create something truly spectacular.
The Verdict
This is one of those books I could flick through forever, It would make a lovely gift as it is so pretty, although I think you would find it hard to give it away!
Soulful Baker by Julie Jones, published by Jacqui Small, RRP £20
The Giveaway
I have two copies of ‘the flexible vegetarian’ and two copies of ‘Soulful Baker’ to giveaway. Follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter widget to enter, please comment to tell me if you have a preference for one book or the other, winners will be chosen at random and full terms and conditions are displayed within the Rafflecopter widget. Entrants must be 18 or over and have a UK postal address.
CLOSED
Another Kedgeree Recipe to Try
Smoked Mackerel Kedgeree is ready in 20 minutes and it tastes great!
PIN FOR LATER
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Kedgeree with Crispy Shallots
Ingredients
- 60 g puy lentils
- 200 g basmati rice
- 50 g butter
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 green chilli deseeded and finely chopped
- 2 cm piece of fresh ginger peeled and grated
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp mild curry powder
- 400 ml light coconut milk
- 2 shallots
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tbsp sunflower oil for frying
- 4 eggs
- 1 tbsp dill chopped
- 1 tbsp coriander/cilantro chopped
- 1 lemon juice
- 1 pinch smoked flaked sea salt standard sea salt is fine, if smoked is unavailable
- fine ground black pepper
- coriander leaves and dill fronds to serve
Instructions
- Put the lentils ina pan of boiling water and cook until tender, according to the pack instructions. Drain,keep warm and set aside.
- Wash the rice well under the cold tap to remove excess starch.
- Heat a large frying pan over a low-medium heat and add the butter. Once hot, stir in the onion, chilli and ginger.
- Cook for around 10 minutes until the onion is softened, then add the mustard seeds and curry powder.
- Continue to cook for a minute or so, then add the rice stirring around to coat in the spiced butter..
- Pour in the coconut milk and 200 ml/7 fl oz/scant 1 cup of water. Increase the heat, bring to the boil, cover with a lid, then reduce the heat.
- Simmer for 12-15 minutes until all of the liquid is absorbed but the kedgeree has a loose creamy texture.
- Slice the shallots into rings and lightly coat in the cornflour. Heat about 5 cm/2 inches of oil in a small saucepan, and heat until shimmering. fry the shallots for about 1-2 minutes to crisp up and become lightly golden. Drain on kitchen paper ans sprinkle with salt.
- Bring a pan of water to the boil and add the eggs. Return to a simmer and cook for 7 minutes. Remove from the pan and when cool enough to handle, peel and cut into quarters.
- Stir the cooked lentils, chopped herbs and lemon juice into the kedgeree. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon onto plates and top with the boiled eggs, herb leaves and fronds and scatter with the crispy shallots.
Tracy Nixon says
The Soulful Baker simply because I have to try the White Chocolate Creme Brulee Tart recipe!
Janice Pattie says
That does sound so good Tracy
Tracey Peach says
I would love either book because I need all the help I ca get!
Janice Pattie says
Well there are lots of ideas in these books to help you
Donna Gibbs says
The Soulful Baker would make a great addition to my cookbook collection 🙂 My mother was never much of a cook unfortunately!! But she always encouraged me to learn to bake for myself from great books like this. Sadly, we lost here earlier this year but every time a bake something I know she loved, it’s like part of her is still here..in a good way!
Janice Pattie says
It is a lovely book Donna, very inspirational
Jane Willis says
The Flexible Vegetarian – we are eating much less meat than we used to, and far more veg, so I would love this. I don’t eat sweet food so the baking book wouldn’t have much in it to appeal to me
Janice Pattie says
Duly noted, Jane. Good luck!
Susan says
Both books sound great but I would love a copy of The Flexible Vegetarian. It sounds a great concept!
Janice Pattie says
I’m glad you like the books, noted your preference, good luck!
melanie stirling says
The Flexible Vegetarian please as my son is vegetarian and the rest of us will eat anything so this would be ideal.
Janice Pattie says
Yes, it would be ideal for you and your son.
Maxine G says
My household combines vegetarians, pescitarians, vegans and carnviroress. finding meals that can be easily adapted to suit everyone is a bonus, so this book sounds great for ideas!
Maxine G says
The Flexible Vegetarian! I forgot to mention it by name!
Janice Pattie says
No worries, i’ve gotcha!
Janice Pattie says
🙂
paula cheadle says
The Soulful Baker as I am not much of a baker, and I am trying to learn new things
Janice Pattie says
Good luck, if you win the book you will definitely learn how to create great bakes.
Solange says
The Soulful Baker as my family and I love desserts and sweet treats.
Janice Pattie says
Good luck, there are lots of sweet treats in Soulful Baker
Lucy says
I am loving the Soulful Baker right now as have also been reviewing it. So if this counts as an entry I’d like to win the Flexible Vegetarian please, it sounds great.
Janice Pattie says
Of course, it counts, Lucy! Glad you like Soulful Baker too, but will note your preference for Flexible Vegetarian if you are a winner.
Hannah Hossack-Lodge says
Both of these books are on my wishlist so it is good to know that they are both worth getting! I think my preference would be for the Soulful Baker though, I can’t get enough of baking books!
Janice Pattie says
You certainly have the skills and attention to detail to recreate the recipes in Soulful Baker, Hannah.
Andrea Upton says
I love cookbooks and really enjoy trying out new recipes so would be happy with either but I think my first choice would be the soulful Baker as it look so beautiful
Janice Pattie says
Noted Andrea, it is very beautiful. Good luck
Mary Heald says
The Flexible vegetarian because I am always looking for something different in the way of vegetarian recipes and this has it!
Janice Pattie says
It certainly does Mary, good luck
laura banks says
the soulful baker im much better at baking
Janice Pattie says
It’s a really soecial book, Laura. Good luck
Rai says
The flexible vegetarian – I’m definitely more savoury than sweet. And I do love my veggies and could do with some interesting veggie recipes and ideas. Thanks for the comp.
Janice Pattie says
Lots of interesting recipes in the flexible vegetarian, good luck
Sheila Reeves says
The Flexible Vegetarian – we are trying to eat less meat, but need inspiration and am loving the sound of coriander, peanut and chilli pesto
Janice Pattie says
It certainly does sound good Sheila. Good Luck.
Michelle @ Greedy Gourmet says
When I started on my vegetarian journey, I realised I had no clue how to cook standalone vegetarian meals. It’s great that there are now more books like this to make the transition easier.
Janice Pattie says
I’ve used vegetarian recipe books since the early 1980s but it was rather, one or the other. This one is much better at creating a smooth transition.
rebecca h says
the flexible vegetarian sounds great for me! always looking for more meat free inspiration for my family
Janice Pattie says
Glad you like the sound of the flexible vegetarian, Rebecca. Good luck
Annie Drew says
I’d love The Soulful Baker, it looks like a beautiful book.
Janice Pattie says
It is beautiful, good luck
Rhia P says
I’ve dramatically reduced my meat intake this year and have really enjoyed ‘flexitarian’ cooking, but i need some fresh ideas so ‘The Flexible Vegetarian’ would be great inspiration.
But then I read your review of ‘The Soulful Baker’ and that sounds amazing too…. sigh… frankly, I’d be delighted to win either and they’d both get a lot of use in our kitchen as I’ve really rediscovered my love of home cooking and baking of late. Cheers!
Janice Pattie says
I feel for you, they are both great books, good to hear you have rediscovered your cooking mojo. Good luck.
Katie Bishop says
I would love the Flexible Vegetarian as a way to cook delicious money-saving meals
Janice Pattie says
It is a lovely book. Good Luck
Ren Taylor says
Love cooking but could do with inspiration from Either of these books x
Janice Pattie says
Glad you like them Ren, good luck.
Lauren Bates says
The Soulful baker sounds so good! I love to bake at the weekends so this would be lovely
Janice Pattie says
I’m sure you would really enjoy baking from this book.
Rebecca Brown says
The Flexible Vegetarian – I’m a veggie living with a meat eater, so that sounds perfect!
Janice Pattie says
This is definitely the book for you Rebecca! Good luck.
Kat B says
I would love soulful baker as I’m a much better baker than a cook!
Janice Pattie says
I’m sure you would enjoy baking from Soulful Baker. Good luck
claire glace says
Soulful Baker as i am trying to learn more baking and sweet treats, many thanks
Janice Pattie says
Soulful Baker is a great place to start, beautiful book. Good luck.
Ritchie says
Soulful Baker because I love breads and desserts
Janice Pattie says
Good luck
Jenifer says
The Flexible Vegetarian would be amazing please. I’ve only been a veggie for 12 weeks. I’d love to discover some new recipes to try as I’ve got a little repetitive with my my current meal planning! xx
Janice Pattie says
Sounds perfect for you, good luck
Sarah Mackay says
Would love the flexible vegetarian as would love some healthier options
Janice Pattie says
Good luck!
Hayley Robson says
The Flexible Vegetarian as I do love cooking veggie dishes
Janice Pattie says
Good luck
Craig - The Usual Saucepans says
Soulful Baker! I think I could sit and gaze (and possibly salivate…) my way through it and then set about making something incredible.
Janice Pattie says
I can see it now! Definitely, gazing and salivating. Good luck.
Laura S says
I love baking, so I would have to choose the Soulful Baker, they both look like lovely cookbooks though!
Janice Pattie says
It is a lovely book, good luck!
Suzanne says
They both sound great nut ‘The Flexible Vegetarian’ would doubtless provide me with much needed, creative ways to use up my allotment produce.
Janice Pattie says
Oh definitely, good luck
stuart hargreaves says
I suppose if I have to choose it would be the soulful baker, but gthey both ae interesting
Janice Pattie says
Glad you like the sound of both books,Stuart. Good luck
Ray Becker says
The Soulful Baker, love baking rolls crusty
Janice Pattie says
Lots of baking inspiration in this book, good luck
Stacey Carnell says
The soulful baker 🙂 My Mum, Aunty and Nan are all vegetarian and I would love to bake them something scrummy that they haven’t had before!
Janice Pattie says
I’m sure you would find something suitable, Stacey. Good luck.
Helen Tovell says
The soulful baker as hubby not keen on a meal with no meat
Janice Pattie says
I’m sure both of you would enjoy the bakes in Soulful Baker. Good luck
Rich Tyler says
The Flexible Vegetarian would be great, as dont always eat meat….
Janice Pattie says
I’m sure you would enjoy it. Good luck.
Amy J says
I’d love either book as I love cooking but the flexible vegetarian would help me eat more meat free dishes!
Janice Pattie says
Yes, it is a great resource for reducing meat consumption, good luck
Jo Carroll says
Soulful Baker…I was always told food was the route to any man’s heart but this takes it up a notch.
Janice Pattie says
It certainly does, good luck
Lisa Wilkinson says
The Flexible Vegetarian as I’d love some new dinner ideas
Janice Pattie says
Plenty of ideas in this book. Good luck
Samantha King says
The Flexible Vegetarian would be fab. It’s always a challenge to please the meat and non-meat eaters in my family!
Janice Pattie says
This is exactly what this book provides, good luck
lorraine kirk says
The Flexible Vegetarian looks like it has some great ideas which I would love to try out on the family!
Janice Pattie says
I’m sure they woul love these recipes, good luck
lindsay mchugh says
I would love to win the flexible vegetarian as I have reduced my meat intake, and my best friend is vegetarian so I could make her more creative dinners than the usual veggie stirfry!
Janice Pattie says
Sounds ideal
Helen Humphries says
The Flexible Vegetarian because I am one and aubergines always look like works of art!
Janice Pattie says
What a great reason to want this book! Good Luck
Emma @ Adventures of a London Kiwi says
Your food photography always makes my mouth water – and these books look to do the same!
Janice Pattie says
Oh thank you that’s very kind and these books are definitely mouthwatering.
kelly l says
Souldful baker as i like my meat!
Janice Pattie says
Fair enough, good luck.
Iris W says
They both look great but I would choose The flexible Vegetarian, my daughter is vegetarian and I’m always stuck for meal ideas
Janice Pattie says
Sounds like the book for you Iris. Good luck.
Heidi Roberts says
These books are both beautiful. I have a copy of each to giveaway as well. I personally resonate with vegetarian recipes that you can tweek!
A S,Edinburgh says
I think Soulful Baker, possibly only because I’m in the mood for something sweet just now! They both look amazing, thank you for running the giveaway.
Susan Hoggett says
I love to bake so it would have to be the Soulful Baker for me
Elinor Hill aka Beach Hut Cook says
They look like such good books, I love their message and such evokative titles. I am thinking the kedgeree dish would be great for our family brunch next week. Elinor x
Patricia Avery says
The Flexible Vegetarian. After nearly 70 years of enjoying meat I have been advised for health reasons it would be better to adopt a vegetarian diet so I’m in need of help 🙂
ADEINNE TONNER says
I would prefer the baker as i really enjoy baking with my family.
amy bondoc says
the flexible vegetarian, love my veggie recipes books!
Julia Alfred says
I would choose Soulful Baker, I don’t have a lot of sweet/baking recipe books (& have lots of vegetarian books I’m working my way through), it also looks beautiful.
Sarah Parker says
I like the look of the Soulful Baker recipes 🙂
Sarah B says
I’d go for The Soulful Baker, because I’m too much of a carnivore for the veggie book (although I do love veggie food)!
sarah fielding says
The soulful baker as I love baking!
Jodie A Green says
i would be ha[[y with a copy of either, although Soulful Baker by Julie Jones gets a slight lead for me, i love my sweet treats
MrsBee says
The Flexible Vegetarian would be perfect for us. We’re a household of 2 vegis and 3 meat-eaters!
ellie spider says
the flexible vegetarian as im always looking for new things to cook for my sister and niece who are vegetarian and vegan respectively
Rachel Bonness says
The flexible vegetarian as I have been trying to eat less meat and be more conscious if what I cook.
Frances Sunshine Hopkins says
The Soulful Baker sounds great!
Emma Davison says
Soulful baker. Love desserts so would prefer this one.
George Wright says
I’d choose the flexible vegetarian by Jo Pratt because we’re having more and more veggie days but sometimes lack inspiration. This would really help us out!
Choclette says
There are just too many tempting cookbooks out there and I have to try so hard not to indulge. But I’d be happy to have either or preferably both of these. I’ve always been put off the thought of kedgeree because it just makes me think fish. But this recipe looks really delicious, so maybe I should make it and then I can change the word association.
Janice Pattie says
It’s a great cookbook, I gave it to my son for his family who are now vegetarian along with some others. The Flexible Vegetarian is the one he likes best.