One day, my 10-year-old child walked into my bedroom and declared, "Mom, I want to become a vegetarian." I replied, "Okay, let's find out what it means to be a vegetarian."

She wasn't aware that she would have to give up her favourite non-vegetarian dumplings (usually made with chicken or pork), Japanese Gyoza, and burgers. While it's not a bad thing that she wants to be a vegetarian and stick to non-animal products, as a parent, I'm concerned about her development since she's still growing. Being a non-vegetarian myself, I'm not sure how to ensure she continues to develop healthily. However, she came back after checking with ChatGPT and said that she actually wants to be a Pescatarian 🙂

She added that she can eat flexibly and just wants to avoid chicken meat (as it is served in Chicken Rice here in Singapore). She can still eat dumplings and hamburgers, as long as they don't purely serve the chicken meat.

In the library, I saw and borrowed Jo Pratt's "The Flexible Vegetarian." This cookbook offers a wide range of delicious and healthy plant-based recipes that are sure to satisfy anyone's taste buds. What sets "The Flexible Vegetarian" apart from other vegetarian cookbooks is the concept of flexitarianism. Pratt acknowledges that not everyone is willing or able to give up meat entirely, but by incorporating more plant-based meals into their diet, they can still make a positive impact on their health and the environment. The cookbook offers a variety of recipes that can be easily adapted to include meat, making it a perfect choice for families with mixed dietary preferences.

The cookbook is divided into sections based on meal type, including breakfast, snacks, soups, salads, mains, and desserts. Each recipe is accompanied by a beautiful photograph and clear instructions. Pratt incorporates a variety of ingredients and flavours from around the world, from Middle Eastern falafel bowls to Mexican sweet potato and black bean enchiladas.

Some standout recipes include the sweet potato and feta frittata, the spicy chickpea and butternut squash stew, and the coconut and lime cheesecake. There are also helpful tips throughout the book for ingredient substitutions and meal planning.

Overall, "The Flexible Vegetarian" is a great addition to any cookbook collection, whether you are a vegetarian, flexitarian, or meat-eater looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. The recipes are flavourful, healthy, and easy to follow, and the concept of flexitarianism makes it an accessible choice for a wide range of dietary preferences.