Cook Book Review: The Yearlong Pantry by Erin Alderson
Erin Alderson’s The Yearlong Pantry is a vibrant and innovative guide for anyone looking to breathe new life into their kitchen staples. In this third cookbook, Alderson dives deep into the essentials of a vegetarian pantry—grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds—demonstrating how to transform them into bold and satisfying meals. Her years of exploration and experimentation with these ingredients have culminated in a resource that’s not only practical but inspiring.
Cilbir (Turkish Eggs) with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf
At its core, The Yearlong Pantry is organized by ingredient, making it easy for readers to approach cooking in a thoughtful and efficient way. Each section begins with foundational knowledge, offering background information, cooking techniques, and handy charts.
For beginners and seasoned cooks alike, the clear instructions and methods provide a confidence boost, whether you’re cooking a large batch of beans for the week or grabbing a can of beans off the shelf for a quick dinner.
Paneer Bowls with Pistachio Dukkah and Asparagus
What sets this book apart is Alderson’s creative and diverse approach to what might otherwise be considered mundane ingredients. Recipes like Grilled Peaches with Hot-Honey Hazelnut Vinaigrette and Carrot Soup with Chile-Fried Spelt show how pantry basics can be elevated into showstopping dishes with little effort.
These recipes are not only vibrant in flavor but also in visual appeal—perfect for home cooks who want to bring a touch of restaurant-style creativity to their own kitchens.
Pizza with Asparagus and Charred Scallion Sauce
Alderson also includes tips on how to make the most of seasonal vegetables, showing readers how to adapt recipes depending on what’s available throughout the year.
This makes the cookbook not only practical but sustainable, encouraging a more thoughtful approach to cooking and eating. The recipes can easily be made vegan, making this book even more accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences.
Perhaps most importantly, The Yearlong Pantry succeeds in making vegetarian cooking approachable.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore cooking with beans or you already know your way around heirloom grains, Alderson’s warm and encouraging tone will guide you through every step, ensuring your pantry staples are anything but boring.
For those already familiar with Alderson’s previous works or her blog Naturally Ella, this book feels like a natural extension of her passion for bringing out the best in simple, healthy ingredients.
Her background as a recipe developer, writer, and photographer shines through, with each recipe paired with stunning visuals that make the dishes even more enticing.
The Yearlong Pantry is a must-have for any home cook looking to revamp their vegetarian repertoire. With its blend of solid information and creative inspiration, it’s more than just a cookbook—it’s a year-round companion for turning everyday staples into extraordinary meals.
Erin Alderson is a recipe developer, writer, and photographer, known for her expertise in vegetarian cooking.
She is the author of The Homemade Flour Cookbook (2014) and The Easy Vegetarian Kitchen (2015).
Through her widely followed blog Naturally Ella and her Instagram account @naturallyella, Erin shares creative vegetarian recipes that showcase the rich variety of California produce and celebrate its diverse culinary traditions. She is based in Sacramento, California.
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