In the 1970s, choosing a meatless diet often raised the inevitable question: “What on Earth do you eat?” For many, including the author Nava Atlas, who first embraced vegetarianism as a teenager, this question reflected a widespread misunderstanding. Vegetariana, first published in 1984, was born from Nava’s journey not just toward vegetarian cooking but toward a rich exploration of food’s cultural, literary, and philosophical dimensions.
Today, as the vegan movement has surged globally, Nava Atlas has revisited her seminal work and updated Vegetariana into a fully vegan cookbook—still hand-illustrated and infused with her characteristic blend of culinary lore, literary quotations, and folk wisdom. This revision doesn’t merely offer 170 easy vegan recipes; it serves as a heartfelt homage to the evolving ethics and tastes that define plant-based living.
From Early Curiosity to Culinary Artistry
Nava’s vegetarianism began simply because she never liked the taste or texture of meat. Yet what started as a personal preference soon blossomed into a lifelong passion and vocation. With a background in illustration and graphic design, Nava’s creativity flourished alongside her culinary experiments. Her husband’s conversion to vegetarianism after their meeting inspired Nava to write down their shared kitchen adventures.
Her vision was unique—combining recipes with art and storytelling. Drawing inspiration from Mark Twain’s Pudd’nhead Wilson, whose witty aphorisms linked food to larger truths, Nava crafted a cookbook that was as much a literary and cultural journey as it was a practical guide. This blend gave Vegetariana its timeless appeal, appealing to readers beyond just the cooking.
The Deep Roots of Vegetarianism and Veganism
Contrary to the belief that vegetarianism is a recent trend sparked by the counterculture of the 1960s and ’70s, Nava’s research highlights vegetarianism’s rich history, stretching back to ancient India, Greece, Rome, and religious traditions. The 19th-century vegetarian movements in America and England, which engaged notable writers and reformers, also laid important groundwork.
Modern veganism, which emerged mid-20th century, owes its terminology and philosophical clarity largely to the British Vegan Society, founded by Donald Watson, his wife Dorothy, and Elsie B. Shrigley in 1944. They coined the term “vegan” to define a lifestyle that excludes all animal exploitation—not only in diet but also in clothing and other areas. This holistic ethical stance gained momentum thanks in part to landmark publications like Ruth Harrison’s Animal Machines (1964) and Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation (1975), which spotlighted the moral imperative to reduce suffering across species.
A Changing Landscape: From Fringe to Fashionable
Looking back, Nava reflects on how vegetarianism once branded her a “weirdo.” Now, veganism has evolved into a mainstream, even trendy, identity embraced by millions. The explosion of vegan cookbooks, blogs, podcasts, and social media content far exceeds the modest resources available in the early 1980s, making compassionate eating more accessible and celebrated than ever.
Her own family story echoes this progression: from Nava as the first vegetarian, to her children becoming vegan, highlighting the natural evolution of values across generations.
Recipes That Nourish Body and Soul
Vegetariana is not just a cookbook to be cooked from; it’s a joy to read. Though it lacks the glossy, full-color photos common in modern cookbooks, its hand-drawn illustrations and interwoven literary and historical insights provide a rich sensory experience.
A few standout recipes include:
- Sweet & Sour Cabbage Soup: A soothing comfort for chilly days, with a tangy balance of lemon, paprika, and tomatoes. Optional croutons absorb the broth, giving a stew-like heartiness.
- Tender Greens Salad with Radishes & Herbs: A celebration of early spring garden freshness, tossed with a bright orange vinaigrette and sprinkled with toasted seeds for crunch.
- Onion & Garlic Sauce: Versatile and deeply flavorful, this sauce elevates simple steamed vegetables, smashed potatoes, or plant-based proteins like tofu.
- Potato, Scallion & Zucchini Casserole: Comfort food with a twist, layered with vegan cheese and herbs, topped with toasted sunflower seeds for texture.
These recipes showcase the beauty of whole, fresh ingredients combined with simplicity and love—principles that remain at the heart of compassionate cooking.
Why This Book Still Matters
In a world now abundant with plant-based options, Vegetariana stands out as a work of both heart and mind. It reminds us that food is never just sustenance—it’s culture, history, philosophy, and art. Nava Atlas’s lifelong dedication shines through every page, inviting readers to savor the pleasures of a vegan lifestyle steeped in wisdom and joy.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, curious cook, or someone seeking deeper connection with what’s on your plate, Vegetariana offers inspiration beyond recipes. It’s an invitation to honor the past, embrace ethical living, and nourish body and spirit through the transformative power of plant-based cuisine.
