Simply Nigella: Feel Good Food

This is a review of Simply Nigella:  Feel Good Food by Nigella Lawson.  Post may contain affiliate links.

Goodness knows I do not need another cookbook, but I simply can’t resist anything by Nigella Lawson.  Yes, I know that Simply Nigella: Feel Good Food was released in November, so I have resisted for a few months.  But now that the book is in my hands and I’ve had a chance to read through it, cup of tea in hand, I’ve decided to never resist again.  I am a firm believer in finding luxuries in the every day, and one of my luxuries is a Nigella Lawson cookbook.

Nigella Lawson creates cookbooks that I read like novels.  Her story telling and voice resonate and create a whole mood for the book.  It’s like she’s sitting across the table from you sharing these stories and these recipes.  That would almost be enough, but she goes and tops that with wonderful doable recipes.  I’m all about simple, getting the most from your everyday ingredients, and she never disappoints.

I have already marked several recipes to try.  As usual, I am tempted to cook the whole book, but I will restrain myself and focus on a few that really call to me.  I will share just of a few of those that I’ve marked to try, for my full list would be way too long!

The book is divided into 8 sections:  Introduction, Quick and Calm, Bowlfood, Dine, Breathe, Sides, Sweet and Beginnings.

The Quick and Calm Section is composed of quick meals that mostly serve 2 people.  She is focusing on recipes that don’t challenge you, that soothe rather than stress.  I’ve marked to try:  A Riff on a Caesar Salad, Halloumi with Quick Sweet Chili Sauce, and Shrimp and Avocado Lettuce Wraps.

In Bowlfood, she is focusing on food in a bowl, soothing and sustaining.  I’ve marked to try:  Thai Noodles with Cinnamon and Shrimp, Drunken Noodles, and Sweet Potato Macaroni and Cheese.

In Dine, she focuses on recipes that she uses to feed people.  Casual, but perfect for dinner guests.   I marked to try:  Caramelized Garlic Hummus,  Sake-sticky Drumsticks, Tequila Lime Chicken and Fish Tacos.

Breathe focuses slow cooking.  Foods, that after a little prep, cook themselves.  I marked to try:  Asian-flavored Short Ribs, Slow-cooked Molasses Ham, and Slow-cooker Korean Beef and Rice Pot.

Sides focuses on simple side dishes that can accompany a protein, but still have enough sass to hold their own.   In this chapter, I was delighted to learn that Nigella shares my love of pickling!  I marked to try:  Slaw with Miso Ginger Dressing, Caramelized Garlic Yogurt Sauce, and Thai Pickled Peppers.

The Sweet section focuses on, well, sweets.  She includes recipes that will appeal to everyone including some that are gluten-free or dairy-free, or both.  I marked to try:  Thyme and Lemon Bundt Cake, Salted Chocolate Tart, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pots.

Beginnings offers breakfast recipes.  I marked to try:  Avocado Toast with Quick-Pickled Breakfast Radishes, Chai Muffins, and Toasty Olive Oil Granola.

I should also note that at the end of each recipe, she gives additional advice, if applicable.  Information on storing, using a slow cooker, freezing, and other things along those lines.

As usual, Nigella did not disappoint.  I can’t wait to start making the recipes and I believe I will begin with the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pots!

Some of other favorite Nigella Books:  How to Be a Domestic Goddess and Nigella Kitchen.

I am thrilled to learn that Louise at Months of Edible Celebrations as started Cookbook Wednesday back up!!  So I am linking to it this week!