Food lovers who believe vegan cooking means bland salads and endless smoothie bowls may want to think again after flipping through The Edgy Veg: 138 Carnivore-Approved Vegan Recipes by Candice Hutchings. Inspired by Hutchings’ popular YouTube channel, the cookbook is a playful, flavor-packed attempt to prove that plant-based food can satisfy even the most devoted meat lovers. With 138 recipes, vibrant photos, and a generous dose of humor, this book feels less like a strict vegan manual and more like a comfort-food celebration. We first met Candice through her other cookbook, Easy Eats at The Edgy Veg Easy Eats – Canadian Cookbooks
Hutchings sets the tone right from the start: vegan food should be fun, indulgent, and a little rebellious. Rather than focusing on “clean eating” staples like spiralized zucchini or grain bowls, she reimagines classic comfort foods—think burgers, fried chicken, mac and cheese, and even fast-food favorites—using plant-based ingredients. The premise is simple: if people crave familiar flavors, why not recreate them in vegan form? The result is a cookbook packed with creative twists on dishes many readers already know and love.
One of the highlights of the book is Hutchings’ ability to “veganize” iconic dishes without losing their indulgent spirit. Recipes such as Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, Fish and Chips, and a Chick-fil-A–inspired sandwich demonstrate how ingredients like jackfruit, tofu, and seitan can mimic the texture and flavor of meat-based dishes. Other inventive recipes include carrot-based “lox” for bagels, breakfast burritos with scrambled tofu and sweet potatoes, and even decadent desserts like matcha ice cream and chocolate mousse.
The cookbook is thoughtfully organized into sections covering everything from brunch and soups to mains, sides, drinks, and desserts. This structure makes it easy for readers to plan entire meals rather than just isolated dishes. Hutchings also includes an “Edgy Veg essentials” section that introduces readers to vegan pantry staples, kitchen tools, and ingredient substitutions—particularly helpful for beginners who may feel intimidated by plant-based cooking. Our household loves ramen so thought the Momofuku-Style Ramen in our Recipe section would be a fun twist!
That said, this is not necessarily a cookbook for those seeking quick weeknight meals. Many recipes involve several steps, including preparing homemade vegan cheeses, sauces, or seitan-based proteins. While these components often result in deeply satisfying flavors, they can make certain dishes time-consuming. Some readers have noted that the recipes occasionally require extra prep work or multiple ingredients, meaning they are best suited for enthusiastic home cooks rather than people looking for ultra-simple meals.
Still, the extra effort is often worth it. Hutchings’ recipes prioritize bold flavor, rich textures, and a sense of culinary fun. The cookbook also stands out for its lively personality—complete with witty recipe titles, jokes, and casual storytelling that make the reading experience entertaining as well as informative. It feels like cooking alongside a friend who isn’t afraid to experiment in the kitchen. Purchase the book at https://robertrose.ca/catalogue/the-edgy-veg/ or win a copy in our Giveaway section.
The Edgy Veg succeeds at what it sets out to do: challenge the stereotype that vegan food is boring. By transforming beloved comfort foods into plant-based versions, Candice Hutchings offers a cookbook that appeals not only to vegans but also to curious omnivores looking to expand their culinary horizons. For anyone who wants vegan recipes that are indulgent, playful, and packed with flavor, this book is a delicious place to start.
Courtesy of The Edgy Veg by Candice Hutchings© 2017 https://robertrosebooks.com/can/ Reprinted with permission. Available where books are sold. Text copyright © 2017 Candice Hutchings and James Aita. Photographs copyright © Robert Rose Inc. Cover and text design copyright © 2017 Robert Rose Inc.