If you’re looking for a cookbook to inspire more vegetables on your menus, look no farther. Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi, a vegetarian columnist for London’s Guardian and the owner of four eponymous take-away food shops in that city, will make you want to rush to your nearest market and fill a cart with fresh produce. In his introduction, the author explains that his own creativity and passion for shaping recipes always comes from an ingredient, and so he has organized the collection by ingredients starting with “roots” and ending with “fruits and cheeses.” The dishes are all simple, yet stunningly original.

Reading through the book, I found myself tagging page after page. Caramelized Garlic Tart, Leek Fritters, Stuffed Portobellos with Melting Taleggio, and Chickpea Sauté with Greek Yogurt were a mere handful of dishes that caught my hungry eye! Plenty is beautifully illustrated (it would not be out of place on a coffee table!), and the recipes clearly written. I wouldn’t be surprised if this book became a classic. I intend to use this collection for years to come.

Plenty
by Yotam Ottolenghi
Chronicle Books 2011
$35