Usually, the words ‘Vegan’ and ‘Deli’ are as antonymous as chalk and cheese to the strict vegetarian but Joanne Stepaniak’s collection of over 150 wholesome recipes adapts traditional New York deli dishes for the purely plant-based diet.

The author of 16 vegan food and lifestyle books, Stepaniak has taken the contemporary deli back to its humble beginnings while maintaining a focus on the wholesomeness and wholeness of food. An intriguing introduction details the history of the kosher deli—originally a quick, cheap and flavoursome reminder of home for Jewish immigrants—and its demise into the supermarket ‘deli-counter’ of today.

Vegan Deli includes Eastern European favourites alongside delicious Tunisian and Moroccan recipes, all pure and natural, and completely ‘glatt kosher’ (no mixing of meat and dairy as every dish is 100% vegan). The book is divided into 9 sections encompassing various types of salads, spreads, dressings, soups, hot meals and fruit dishes. Each recipe contains full nutritional information and encourages adjusting seasoning and quantities for individual taste to enter into the spirit of traditional cooking.

As we head into winter I found myself flicking straight to the soup section. The Lentil and Rice Soup was hearty and the Lemony Lentil Soup with Noodles and Mint put a tasty spin on an old favourite. My favourite was the Spicy Italian Chickpea Soup. For something a little more traditional, I made the mouth-watering Polish Sweet and Sour Zucchini Pickles, which took no time to prepare. The smorgasboard of salads also offers something for everyone.

This book was a winner for me. I usually find the translation of local ingredients and measurements difficult with US publications. Not a problem here as measurements are based on personal preference and ingredients are basic grains, vegetables and seasonings. ‘Veganising’ a non-vegan recipe is often also a challenge, but one that the author has dealt with admirably. Jo Stepaniak is one of my favourite vegan authors and has come through again with this collection of cheap, easy to prepare dishes.

Vegan Deli 
Wholesome Ethnic Fast Food
by Joanne Stepaniak 
ISBN 978-1-5706-7109-8 | RRP US$15.95 | Book Publishing Co. 2001

REVIEWED BY: Stephanie Tapply