Smith and Daughters: A Cookbook Review

Like many of life’s great revelations, I came upon the following cookbook by accident. Browsing my local bookstore at Christmas-time for last minute gift ideas, I wandered over to the cooking isle to see what’s new. It was there I found Smith & Daughters: A Cookbook (that happens to be vegan). Full of deliciously innovative vegan recipes I instantly knew I needed this beauty in my collection. So… Merry Christmas to me then? 😜

Smith & Daughters is a Melbourne institution for any self-respecting foodie. A vegan restaurant located in Brunswick St Fitzroy they’ve been serving up Spanish inspired vegan dishes since 2014.

Shannon Martinez and Mo Wyse are the brains behind both the restaurant and the cookbook. Many of the recipes in the book are dishes you can find on the menu. I cannot tell you how much I love that these rock-stars decided to write a cookbook. There’s an edginess inspired by Shannon’s Spanish roots accompanied by mouthwatering photos. I’m talking bold flavours and big helpings with a side of “don’t take yourself too seriously” which makes for super fun in the kitchen.

Don’t be fooled by the authors’ punk AF attitude. The recipes are thoughtfully curated with heaps of easy to follow instructions. Not to mention: Vegan Paella people! My high-school boyfriend’s mum made the best paella on the planet and I’ve been (unsuccessfully) trying to recreate it ever since. That was until I came across Shannon’s version from the book.

I’m not kidding. My whole reason for writing this post was I made the Vegan Paella on the weekend (pictured above) and it was so good that I had to share it with you. 😂

Trust me, you need Smith & Daughters: A Cookbook (that happens to be vegan) in your life.