The Latest Cookbooks – November 2024

The Yearlong Pantry

By Erin Alderson – Hardie Grant Publishing, RRP$59.99

Grains, beans and seeds might not ordinarily be thought of as the sexiest of ingredients, however under Erin Alderson’s guiding hand, in The Yearlong Pantry these kitchen staples are transformed into the most magical of dishes. This, her third cookbook, is again, entirely vegetarian and while the recipes are in the main super-healthy, they are also super-tasty! We were particularly intrigued with the Lentil Croquettes with Za’atar and Labneh, ‘soft on the inside and crispy on the outside’, which would make a great snack with a beer or glass of chilled wine over the summer. Another perfect summer dish is the Sesame-Gochujang Cauliflower Lettuce Wraps, light, fresh and packed with flavour. Erin is based in Sacramento, California and has garnered international recognition via her blog, Naturally Ella. @naturallyella

Seriously Delicious

By Polly Markus – Allen & Unwin, RRP$49.99

Polly Markus is a well-known and respected Instagram foodie star, whose first cookbook Miss Polly’s Kitchen was a roaring success. Taking inspiration from dining out both in New Zealand and overseas, Polly Markus’ latest cookbook, Seriously Delicious, sees her taking flavours up a notch. As she says there are a nod to some of the classics but they’re ‘jazzed up’ yet still easy and attainable. These are the kind of recipes you could happily throw together when entertaining, whether for a quick casual catch up or in a more formal setting. We know there are recipes here dish readers would love, like the Creamy Harissa Chicken Bake, which looks as delicious as it tastes, and the Berry, Lemon & Thyme Upside-Down Cake, which she shares was a mistake that turned into a success. With honesty, fun and flavours for miles, Seriously Delicious would make a wonderful Christmas gift. @miss_pollys_kitchen

Ottolenghi Comfort

By Yotam Ottolenghi, Helen Goh, Verena Lochmuller, Tara Wigley – Penguin Random House, RRP$70.00

As we food writers know, nothing happens in isolation, and in this latest cookbook from Ottolenghi, he is joined by his team of three to amplify the offering of delicious, comforting dishes. Each brings their own memories of childhood and travels and recipes garnered along the way. We loved the intro section where they delve into the four elements of what comfort food eating means to them — ‘Who we eat with’, ‘Why we eat’, ‘What we eat’, and ‘How we eat’ before diving headfirst into a luscious, flavour-packed array. From Easy, Cheesy Rice Cakes, to Sausage Ragù Lasagne For One, to Malty Figgy Pudding the recipes are accessible yet exciting, inviting and original. Ottolenghi Comfort would be a great pick to pop under the Christmas tree for your favourite foodie — or simply leave this page open lying around the house as a suitable hint for whoever is shopping for you! @ottolenghi