Book tip of the week: Vegetarian

The great cookbook by Paul Ivic
© DK Verlag / Ingo Pertramer
© DK Verlag / Ingo Pertramer
24. February 2025

 | Editorial team

Paul Ivic, the celebrated chef of Vienna’s Michelin-starred restaurant TIAN, has created a true masterpiece of vegetarian cuisine with his book “Vegetarian – The Great Cookbook”. The book is not just a collection of 300 recipes suitable for everyday use, but rather a declaration of love for the versatility of vegetables and the art of preparing them at the highest level.

The book is divided into clearly structured chapters, ranging from product knowledge to techniques and recipes. Ivic provides a comprehensive insight into the world of vegetable ingredients, from well-known classics to less common vegetables. Particularly impressive is the ‘leaf to root’ philosophy, which not only promotes waste avoidance but also conveys respect for the whole plant.

The recipes, such as an iced bell pepper soup or braised pointed cabbage, impress with their simplicity and sophistication at the same time. Ivic shows that vegetarian dishes don’t just have to be side dishes, but can be the main protagonists on the plate. He attaches great importance to sustainability and regionality, which is a recurring theme throughout the book.

In addition to the content, the book is also visually and haptically impressive. The photographs by Ingo Pertramer give the recipes an aesthetic depth that makes you want to cook them again. The elegant cover with ribbon marker underlines the high-quality character of this book and makes it a real gem in any kitchen.

Info:
DK Publishing House
ISBN 978-3-8310-4651-5
400 pages

The importance of a vegetarian diet

A vegetarian diet has numerous benefits – both for your own health and for the environment. Numerous studies have shown that avoiding meat can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer. The high proportion of vegetables, pulses, wholegrain products and nuts ensures a balanced supply of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

In addition, a plant-based diet makes a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as the production of animal-based foods – especially meat – is extremely resource-intensive. Every step towards more plant-based meals is a step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.

Paul Ivic's work makes an important contribution here by showing how delicious and creative vegetarian dishes can be – and that enjoyment and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Our conclusion

“Vegetarian – The Great Cookbook” is more than just a recipe book; it is a source of inspiration for anyone who wants to eat more consciously. Ivic's expertise and passion make this book an indispensable standard work that appeals to beginners and experienced amateur cooks alike. The mixture of product knowledge, professional knowledge and creative recipes offers invaluable added value – both for the kitchen and for a more sustainable life.

A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît! A la table, s'il vous plaît!
Copyright for the featured images used:
© DK Verlag / Ingo Pertramer

Book tip: The Chemistry of Baking

Knowledge that provides reassurance

Baking is all about precision – and this is precisely where The Chemistry of Baking comes in. Nicola Lamb explains not only how to make something work, but above all why. Sound scientific knowledge meets the practical realities of baking, presented in an accessible way and free from kitchen myths. From flour, sugar, eggs and fat right through to common mistakes with ganache, sponge cake or custard: this book provides confidence through understanding.

Over 100 recipes, organised by time required, put theory into practice – from quick projects to ambitious classics. A book that takes away the fear of failure and makes baking understandable as a craft that can be learnt. Essential reading for anyone who wants to know exactly what really happens in the oven.

INFO
The Chemistry of Baking
Author: Nicola Lamb
Publisher: Edition Michael Fischer / EMF Verlag
Length: 352 pages
ISBN: 978-3-7459-2936-2
Price: €35.00 (DE), €36.00 (AT)
Publication date: September 2025

Book tip: A Guest in Rome

Discovering the flavours of the city

The best way to discover Rome is through its food. A Guest in Rome is less a traditional cookbook than a culinary stroll through the city – guided by Stefan Maiwald and brought to life visually by Andrea Di Lorenzo. Between antipasti and dolci, Roman cuisine unfolds as a living culture: authentic, unpretentious and deeply rooted.

Alongside iconic recipes such as cacio e pepe, carciofi alla romana and saltimbocca, the book opens doors to hidden trattorias, markets and cafés that lie far off the beaten track. Anecdotes, historical context and precise insider tips make it clear why food in Rome is always about identity too. A book that combines travel and cuisine – and inspires you to experience Rome with all your senses, whether you’re there or at home.

INFO
A Guest in Rome
Author: Stefan Maiwald
Photography: Andrea Di Lorenzo
Publisher: Callwey
Length: 224 pages
ISBN: 978-3-7667-2822-7
Price: €45.00
Publication date: September 2025

Book tip: HADN – The Buckwheat Cookbook

A local supergrain that bridges tradition, modernity and the future

Buckwheat, affectionately known as ‘Hadn’ in Southern Carinthia, is one of those products that quietly disappeared – and is now making a natural comeback. HADN – The Buckwheat Cookbook is dedicated to this almost forgotten powerhouse grain with remarkable dedication: rooted in culinary, cultural and regional traditions.

Together with the Klopeiner See – South Carinthia – Lavant Valley tourism region, food expert and editor cookingCatrin (Catrin Ferrari-Brunnenfeld) embarks on a journey to the roots of Carinthian ‘Hadn’. The book combines over 55 creative sweet and savoury recipes with in-depth background knowledge – from cultivation and history to its modern-day significance as a gluten-free, nutrient-rich superfood. Buckwheat is not only presented as flour, but also as semolina or rice: given a modern twist, suitable for everyday use and surprisingly versatile.

INFO
HADN – The Buckwheat Cookbook
Authors: Catrin Ferrari-Brunnenfeld (cookingCatrin)
Publisher: Klopeiner See Tourism Region – Southern Carinthia – Lavant Valley / KSL Tourismus Marketing GmbH
Length: 180 pages
ISBN: 978-3-200-09933-3
Price: €24.90
Publication date: September 2025

quick & dirty
© DK Publishing House
Book tip of the week: Vegetarian

Paul Ivic, the celebrated chef of Vienna’s Michelin-starred restaurant TIAN, has created a true masterpiece of vegetarian cuisine with his book “Vegetarian – The Great Cookbook”. The book is not just a collection of 300 recipes suitable for everyday use, but rather a declaration of love for the versatility of vegetables and the art of preparing them at the highest level.

The book is divided into clearly structured chapters, ranging from product knowledge to techniques and recipes. Ivic provides a comprehensive insight into the world of vegetable ingredients, from well-known classics to less common vegetables. Particularly impressive is the ‘leaf to root’ philosophy, which not only promotes waste avoidance but also conveys respect for the whole plant.

The recipes, such as an iced bell pepper soup or braised pointed cabbage, impress with their simplicity and sophistication at the same time. Ivic shows that vegetarian dishes don’t just have to be side dishes, but can be the main protagonists on the plate. He attaches great importance to sustainability and regionality, which is a recurring theme throughout the book.

In addition to the content, the book is also visually and haptically impressive. The photographs by Ingo Pertramer give the recipes an aesthetic depth that makes you want to cook them again. The elegant cover with ribbon marker underlines the high-quality character of this book and makes it a real gem in any kitchen.

Info:
DK Publishing House
ISBN 978-3-8310-4651-5
400 pages