- Something for those of us with hectic schedules, a lack of patience, or both.
- Over 100 quick, healthy recipes.
- Plenty of useful tips, variations and suggestions.
- Over 1/4 of the recipes have a matching full-color photograph.
- Vegetarian, ''turbo'' fast, family friendly, special occasion and seasonal recipes are highlighted.
- Only available in Dutch, unfortunately.
- (Even) more photos would have been welcome.
- Some of the recipes use supermarket brand or product names that will date.
- Spitsuurkoken
- By Loethe Olthuis
- Published by Terra
- Euro 17,95
- ISBN-978-90-5897-867-7
Spitsuurkoken translates to 'Rush Hour Cooking' and that's exactly what this cookbook delivers: over 100 recipes that are not only healthy and good to eat, but fast to prepare (all dishes can be cooked and on the table within 15 - 30 minutes). Thankfully Loethe Olthuis doesn't cheat by using processed short-cuts, unlike some celebrity chefs in recent years. We'll excuse the occasional packet of pre-diced onions (I have to admit to using those too from time to time). Instead, she shares some great recipes that simply happen to be quick to throw together.
Spitsuurkoken has sections for starters and salads; soups; main meals; oven dishes; bites, snacks and sides; and sweets and desserts. Olthuis also gives some tips on how to save even more time in the kitchen and offers a list of last-minute substitutes for those ingredients that were forgotten in the rush at the supermarket (haven't we all done that?).
A broad range of cuisines are covered, from Dutch dishes like 'haring poffertjes' (baby pancakes with herring, like a Dutch version of 'blinis') to Fassoliasalata (Greek bean salad) and Thai tofu with chili and basil. Healthy here doesn't mean low fat or low carb, but 'real food', prepared using fresh ingredients.
The look is fresh and modern with photography that whets the appetite, a clean design and a clear lay-out. It's sure to become a dog-eared, besplattered friend.
Try a recipe from the book:
