Start with a vegetable More than 100 easy, tasty, plant-forward recipes for everyone

While not all of the entries in Smith's (Inquiring Chef blog) accessible debut cookbook are vegetarian, they are all plant-focused, making this a perfect starting point for readers who are new to plant-based eating. The chapters are mostly organized by the vegetables highlighted in each section, with a few exceptions--"Plant Proteins," "Pizza Night," "Sauces, Dressings & Extras," and "Meal Plans"--and each recipe includes a guide to the necessary utensils, pans, and gadgets, right at the top of the page. Smith, who used to work for a meal-planning company, includes much helpful advice for meal planning and also offers tips on creatively repurposing leftover ingredients or recipe components, such as sauces, in other recipes throughout the book. Not all of the recipes are particularly innovative, but they are each approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, and many are inspired by Smith's time living in Thailand. VERDICT An excellent addition to cookbook shelves for those who want an easy introduction to plant-based eating. Great for most public library collections.--Whitney Kramer