v8well Winter 2023 Recap
I had the unique distinction of springing forward twice this March - first in NYC and then again in London this past weekend with Daylight Savings setting in there! While London continues to be gray, the company of old friends, a new infant and the food scene brought lots of sunshine to our holiday.
Some highlights:
Definitely NOPI - Ottolenghi’s magic on winter vegetables (confession: not my favorites) gets me drooling about the spring and summer menu. I also left with my own signed copy of OTK Extra Good Things.
Bibi - A modern Indian restaurant with a tasting menu - this was our girls night out and totally lived up to it! I have come away obsessed with the idea of an amchur vinaigrette, stay tuned.
Some delicious arepas and cachapas at Arepa and Co
We ordered in from Kricket and really enjoyed the Gobi Manchurian, thanks for the recommendation
.Sadly, we could not get a reservation at Bocca di Lupo but rest assured we will plan ahead for our next visit - thank you for the recommendation
.Our toddler informed us “No restaurant today” on the afternoon of our Dishoom reservation, so we ordered in and I am happy to report that the black dal is still the best I’ve ever had.
v8well Winter 2023 Roundup
So many new subscribers have joined us this winter (welcome!!) - so I wanted to make sure you guys saw the best content I’ve published over the course of these past few months. Also, it annoys me to no end that the newsletter that I worked so hard on often ends up in your promotions folder :( Here are the highlights.
Cookbook Launch
My debut cookbook, The Vegetarian Reset launched in January and I can safely say that this was the most exciting time in v8well history! I’m going to let the reviews speak for themselves. (Psst. also the book is 10% off on Amazon US right now!)
“Best Low Carb Vegetarian Cookbook”: Glamour UK - “This minimalist, whimsical and divine cookbook is going to fly off the shelves. Collating recipes from around the world and staying true to seasonal, nourishing produce that are used in a variety of unusual recipes that will delight every serious foodie. This is a debut cookbook that feels very assured and personal, with some gorgeous photography and great step by step instructions. Finding low-carb, healthy meals that will leave you completely satiated has never been easier.“
“Meatless, flavor-packed, and easy on the carbs“: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - “I tried her Loaded Cauliflower Soup — a riff on traditional dal in which a small amount of lentils was pureed with cauliflower, bright seasonings, and raw cashews for an extra protein punch. The result was a delicious and filling reminder to this carnivore that reducing carbs while eliminating meat aren’t mutually exclusive goals after all.“
Shelf Awareness: “Vasudha Viswanath's creative collection of savory and sweet dishes inspired by her international palate, will delight readers who want to prioritize nutrition-rich ingredients in their diets without compromising taste and sensory appeal. By reimagining traditional dishes into low-carb, vegetable-centric versions of themselves, Viswanath breathes new life into favorites such as shepherd's pie, lasagna, fried rice, paella, risotto and pad thai. A robust desserts section features Viswanath's signature Mango Cheesecake, Banana Soufflés and Hazelnut Brownies. Nutritional information is thoughtfully provided for each recipe.“
If you already have the book - you will love this post that helps you meal plan, and also this one for a great date night menu.
If you don’t have the book - here is my inside look and falafel recipe to show you what you’re missing.
Health
For the glucose-conscious readers out there (which is hopefully all of you), here is my info-packed (complete with charts) post on my experiments with a continuous glucose monitor. P.S. Recipes from The Vegetarian Reset did very, very, well, as expected.
Protein is starting to get recognized as the most important macronutrient as it keeps us full and helps us thrive. Here’s how I get my protein on a vegetarian diet, also 3 meal ideas with 30g protein.
For women’s history month - an interview with a dietitian nutritionist who specializes in women’s health. We cover protein and starch recommendations, and conditions like PCOS that have become increasingly prevalent, particularly in South Asian women.
Recipes
Sweet Potato and Edamame Papdi Chaat - a winter adaption of the Cucumber Papdi Chaat from my cookbook - this one is a must-try. We make crispy chips out of sweet potato and use edamame in place of the chickpeas for an extra boost of protein. Layered with Greek yogurt, tangy chutneys and masala walnuts for those omega-3’s, you’ve got yourself a showstopper with no compromises
Garlicky White Bean Soup with Crispy Collards - so easy, so comforting, and just what you need when it’s technically spring but “feels like 22F”. I roast 3 (yes, you read that right) THREE FULL pods of garlic in the air-fryer (or use the oven) and then squeeze out that caramelized garlic into the soup. While the beans and cauliflower cook merrily along on the stove, we quickly wilt some collard green ribbons on the stove top over medium-high heat, so they get a little crispy, and use those as a garnish.
Just Beet It - 3 wonderfully similar yet unique beet recipes from around the world: a Beet-Walnut pesto, a Beet Muhammara, and my family’s Beet Chutney . Spices, nuts and the heat from a green chile can take an ordinary (though powerful) beet and turn it into something that excites the palate. Dips, pasta sauce, sandwich spread, the possibilities are endless and delectable. And the best part? A one-line method: Dump ingredients in the blender!
v8well Good Things
To read
Have you heard of the miracle weight loss drug, Ozempic? I have lots of disapproving thoughts about this coming soon, but here’s an overview from The Cut.
To listen
An interview with Dr. Donald Layman on The Dhru Purohit Podcast - “The importance of dietary protein for blood sugar control, building muscle mass, weight loss, and preventing age-related loss of lean tissue“ about optimal protein.” They also discuss how the RDA came about and how relevant it is. Good one if you care about protein.
To eat
I made the Jennifer Anniston salad that she allegedly ate on the set of Friends every day and it was very good! I’d say it makes a great template salad and look forward to tinkering with it over the summer.
I love spring produce! Here’s the v8well April produce cheat-sheet. Recipes coming soon.
Cookbook News
A reminder that my next cooking club is next week - April 5th at 12pm ET - this is proving to be a very popular session! We are making the Vegan Zucchini Bread and Avocado Toast. No need to turn on your camera (although I’d love to see you) or cook along with me - lurkers welcome!
If you are on Facebook, join my cookbook group here and share your pictures as you cook along from the book! You can also ask questions about recipes and I will help in any way I can.
Get your copy of The Vegetarian Reset now!
Amazon US (10% off) | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org | UK | AUS | CAN | Europe | India
Not sure? Download a free sample.