Plenty: Vibrant Vegetable Dishes from London's Ottolenghi

Ottolenghi, acclaimed British restaurateur and author of the Guardian's New Vegetarian column, offers a vibrant and versatile collection of mouth-watering dishes that elevate vegetables from paltry side-dish status to superstar prominence. He combines previously published recipes with an array of new offerings that spotlight everything from root vegetables and mushrooms to legumes and grains. Highlights include leek fritters, lentils with broiled eggplant, quinoa and grilled sourdough salad, and a stunningly gorgeous salad he calls tomato party that combines multicolored tomatoes, couscous, and several herbs. Greens, both cooked and raw, receive ample attention in dishes such as chard and saffron omelets, green pancakes with lime butter, and chard cakes with sorrel sauce. He dedicates entire chapters to eggplant and tomatoes, showing the versatility of these staples in a variety of preparations. Lentils are also given proper homage in dishes such as Puy lentil galettes and Catelluccio lentils with tomatoes and Gorgonzola. Most recipes are accompanied by dazzling full-color photos that are sure to whet the appetite. While Ottolenghi may not be a well-known name to American food lovers, this excellent collection will most likely put him on the map. (Apr.)