Simple Vegetarian Pleasures

Here Lemlin shows how a bit of simple planning can help busy people pull together a great tasting, sophisticated vegetarian meal -- with an absolute minimum of fuss. A well-stocked vegetarian pantry is key to making a great dinner, and Lemlin offers lists of what to buy and store, in cabinets, refrigerator, and freezer, to make sure your tasty meal is not only fast but healthy. She provides the tools you need to create wholesome meals, including easy rich vegetable stocks to have on hand, tips on quicky roasting peppers or pitting olives, fast breakfast dishes that let you stay away from overprocessed, high priced commercial cereals. Stovetop dishes, make-ahead casseroles and gratins, and a range of pizzas, quesadillas, sandwiches and vegetarian burgers offer simple solutions for weeknight suppers. Salads and desserts take advantage of seasonal vegetables and fruits and suggested menus let harried home cooks move from soup to nuts, almost effortlessly.

Winning Dishes include:

• Chickpea Salad with Fennel, Tomatoes, and Olives
• Spinach Soup with Couscous and Lemon
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Portobello Mushroom and Caramelized Shallot Omelette
• Nantucket Cranberry Cake