As a vegetarian (and a fan of Deborah Madison’s work in general), I appreciate this book for its inspired recipe ideas, but as a gardener, I loved this book for the background it provided about different vegetables. Vegetable Literacy isn’t just a cookbook, you see, it’s a reference book too, dividing vegetables into different families (The Sunflower Family, The Cabbage Family, The Grass Family, etc.). Each vegetable receives its own write-up, with information about its origin, different varieties, and tips for cooking. If you have Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone
Recipe
Ingredients
- caramelized sweet onions 2 large onions is perfect—here’s a post on how to caramelize onions
- 1 hefty bunch of spinach at least a pound, stems removed, leaves well washed
- sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 meaty roasted red peppers
- 1 piece of bread per person such as ciabatta, rye, or a whole grain levain bread
- 1 garlic clove halved
- thinly sliced manouri or ricotta salata
- olive oil to finish
Instructions
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Warm the caramelized onions in a pan over low heat.
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In another pan, wilt the spinach in the water clinging to its leaves, then season it with salt and pepper. Slice the peppers into wide strips.
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Toast the bread, then rub one side with the garlic. Cover with the onions, followed by the spinach, the cheese, then the roasted peppers set diagonally across the top.
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Season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
