One pot, pan, planet was written by Anna Jones, originally one of Jamie Oliver's Fifteen apprentices and now food writer (notably for The Guardian) and author.

This is a vegetarian cookbook with all but a couple of recipes having vegan alternatives - even the frittatas.  If you are trying to eat less animal products then this is the book to get because it clearly explains what you can use as an alternative to get you started and because it is so clearly explained, it does not feel too heavy or difficult. I am not planning on making the conversion to veganism but my sister-in-law is a vegan and so understanding how different products can be used is really very helpful for me.  I find converting recipes that need eggs a huge challenge and so this book was perfect for gaining an understanding of what to use instead (you can use ground flax seeds with sparking water, a banana, apple sauce, tofu or aquafaba).

This is a heavy book full of recipes, thoughts and ways we can improve our own personal impact on the environment. There are lots of small changes that can be made and will make a huge difference to the planet and there are so many ideas in here that it is simple to pick a few and start somewhere.  I thought I tried to minimise my impact on the environment but this shows there are so many other ways to be better.   Despite this I must confess to finding the book initially a little hard to get into.  Some of the text is a bit heavy even though it does all make perfect sense.  It’s very easy to sometimes feel that those small things are not quite enough.

Once I actually got into the recipes however I found this book a joy and I have tagged quite a few, my favourite is the ancho chilli chutney with potato rosti and an egg.  It was quite honestly delicious and one of the nicest dishes we have had in ages.  I forgot just how much I love rostis.  I am not sure what I was expecting but it was really very good and definitely one to do again and again and again.  We also tried the swede carbonara (less of a hit) and the chocolate muscovado cake is a joy, both to make and eat and the vegan version also worked perfectly.  The dhal was also delicious, really really tasty and so full of flavour.  It went so well with the other Indian dishes we had.

The stand out dish however was one (actually two dishes) that really took me by surprise.  Firstly was the corn risotto.  I was very very dubious that green chilli on top of a risotto would work but oh my goodness did it.  From all of the recipes I have cooked from a book this is one that is often repeated.  It is absolutely delicious.  Everything about the flavours in this risotto worked (even if I did use my tried and tested method).  We also made the slow roast tomato pappardelle which is so simple but an absolute flavour bomb.  It is so, so good.  We removed the capers and kept the garlic and chilli in (personal taste) but either way works really well.

Anna is clearly passionate about the environment and that is actually a lovely thing.  Whilst I don't share all of her beliefs I was very interested by them and have made some changes to how we live to be a better resident of our earth.  This is not a book I would have bought were it not for the bookclub but I am really glad I did and the recipes are so good it is a book I return to often.

The great thing about the recipes is that it makes you look at vegetables in a different light and realise how easy it is to make them the star and to leave meat and fish to the side.  We have vastly reduced our meat intake and are really enjoying the recipes in this book.  Anybody with even minimal cooking skills should be able to make the most from this book and make some stunning dishes.

Recipes 9/10
Readability 8/10
Knowledge learnt 8/10
Total 25/30