Vegan Deli: Wholesome Ethnic Fast Food

A Review of the Tantalizing Cook Book from Joanne Stepaniak

Oct 2, 2009

Veganized versions of some delicatessen and street food classics.

In Vegan Deli:Wholesome Ethnic Fast Food Joanne Stepaniak takes readers' taste buds on a wild ride. The author begins with information on the history of the Delicatessen as well her statement about reinventing these dishes: "With these simple recipes I have tried to preserve the humble traditions of the past while incorporating the healthful trends of the present" (Stepaniak 6).

Stepaniak has included several chapters in this cookbook, each filled with recipes to honor a certain aspect of a genuine delicatessen. From sides to spreads, she has it all. The dishes in the book are intended to be eaten with other dishes, but it is possible to make meals out of some of the more substantial dishes, such as the soups.

Nutritional Information

One of the most admirable items in this cookbook, despite some very interesting and tasty recipes, is the author included some basic nutritional information at the end of every recipe. This information is especially helpful to those planning their meals around specific nutritional requirements. The information includes:

Pickled and Marinated Vegetables

The pickled and marinated vegetables donning this section of the cookbook make for some splendid condiments nestled near one of the many salads, soups, and sandwiches also found inside. Included is a recipe for homemade garlic dill pickles and hot and spicy pickled cabbage reminiscent of Kim-chi.

Vegetable Salads

From warm salads to cold salads, Stepaniak's recipes can easily be side-kick or main event. Serve the scrumptious Sesame Broccoli Salad alongside the Noodles in Peanut Sauce from the Grain, Potato, and Pasta Salads chapter for a tasty, asian-inspired meal.

Grain, Potato, & Pasta Salads

Starting off the chapter on grain, potato, and pasta salads is Tabooli. Stepaniak's version is a little different from the Middle Eastern-style salad, stating that it is "more wheaty than the very green Middle Eastern-style salad". The Tabooli is a quick fix, but it will need to chill several hours before serving. This recipe comes with two different variations as well.

And vegans who have missed the creamy sweet or salty flavor of classic potato salad can rejoice. Stepaniak's Deli Potato Salad delivers a perfect flavor combination. In addition to the Deli Potato Salad, Stepaniak includes six other versions of the deli and picnic table classic. Try out the Potato Salad with Sesame-Tarragon Dressing for a unique take on this classic.

Last but not least, this chapter includes several cold pasta salads, each with their own veggie and dressing combination. It is easy to find a favorite among the choices, to get started, why not try the Cold Sesame Noodles and Vegetables--Light and perfectly dressed, this salad is a great fit for lunch.

Spreads

What is a deli without some tasty spreads and schmears to go on bagels, bread, and crackers alike. For a cream cheese like spread, try the Cashew-Sesame Bean "Cheese"; it is an easy recipe that just needs a little time and a blender.

Also included are five different Hummus recipes, three calling for beans other than chickpeas which makes for very versatile and easy to make dishes. The Red Bean Hummus includes pinto beans, soy sauce, and hot sauce as some of it's ingredients and makes for an amazing variations on the spread.

Another dish to try is the Eggless Egg Salad which includes one of the best methods for creating a tofu "egg salad" out there. Beginning by boiling the tofu, this recipe produces extremely egg-like results.

Dressings

A good dressing can make or break a salad or sandwich. Vegan Deli offers some very simple, yet very scrumptious options. Try the Deli Dressing as a substitute for vegan mayonnaise. The author includes a dressing recipe that could go with almost all styles of salads that are included in this

Soups

Soups are common deli fare. Warm, simple, and undeniably delicious, they go with other deli favorites perfectly. The soups included in Vegan Deli range from Eastern European Sauerkraut Soup to Moroccan Chick-Pea Soup; the latter is great served with some nice warm pita bread.

Exotic soup not your style? Try the Better Than Chicken Noodle Soup for a classic comfort, vegan style. No noodles? Just add 1 cup rice instead!

Hot Specialties

Included in this chapter is a scrambled tofu recipe, several kugels, and Mujaddra(Lentils and Rice). Mujadda is a simple dish that is both tasty and filling and definitely worth a try. Two large caramelized onions give the dish a rich flavor.

Fruit Dishes

For a dessert section, there is not a great amount of variety. However, as the chapter is titled, "fruit dishes" it does deliver just that. With warm apples, sugar, and a good dose of cinnamon, the very first recipe in the chapter, Hot Apples, is a perfect dish for fall.

Publication Information

Vegan Deli: Wholesome Ethnic Fast Food. Joanne Stepaniak. Book Publishing Co, Summertown, TN, 2001.

The copyright of the article Vegan Deli: Wholesome Ethnic Fast Food in Vegan/Raw Food is owned by Krista Parker. Permission to republish Vegan Deli: Wholesome Ethnic Fast Food in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.