Simply Bento

Yuko and Noriko

October 9, 2018

Quarto Publishing Group

Race Point Publishing

Blurb: From the creators of the website Japanese Cooking 101, Simply Bento is a complete collection of over 140 delicious and healthy bento recipes for everyone in the family. 

Ready to make lunch quick, easy, and tasty? Japanese bento boxes are single-portion packed lunches, perfect for anyone looking to save money and eat a balanced, satisfying meal for lunch every single day.

Simply Bento features 140+ healthy and delicious bento recipes—including mains and sides—that you can make every day of the week, using a combination of traditional and non-traditional ingredients. Learn about different types of bento boxes and accessories, how to assemble your box, and everyday items you will need in your pantry, as well as how to plan ahead so that your morning prep is a breeze.

Simply Bento shows you the finer points of bento-making, and there is something for everyone:

• Classic Japanese Bento
• Sandwich Bento
• Sushi and Onigiri Bento
• Noodle Bento
• Popular Japanese Bento
• 10-Minute Bento
• Rice and Grain Bowl Bento
• Low-Carb Bento
• Vegan Bento
• Bento for Special Occasions (including for the first day of school and Halloween!)
• Bento at Home

So, if you’re in the mood for Chicken Teriyaki, Ramen, Shrimp Avocado Pasta Salad, Cauliflower Fried Rice, Falafel, Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Tempura, or Chicken Nuggets (for the kids), Simply Bento has the recipes—plus much more!

SASCHA DARLINGTON’S REVIEW

The duo behind the popular website Japanese Cooking 101 have written a cookbook concentrating on bento box meals. If you’d like to see their trailer for the book, click here.

I am always excited about trying new recipes especially for lunches (and breakfasts, snacks, and dinner, you get the drift–food!). The great thing about the recipes in Simply Bento is that they have been created for the individual who might not have ready access to a microwave at lunchtime and are intended to be eaten at room temperature.

The different sections, presented in the blurb above, show that bento boxes can be made for a variety of diets as well as for occasions and meal types. Some recipes are geared toward a more adult palate, while some, like chicken nuggets and mini-pizzas, are for kids (or big kids). And vegans and vegetarians are not overlooked, as they so frequently are in most cookbooks. The authors are quick to point out that substitutions are encouraged.

In the introduction, the authors acknowledge that bento boxes are probably a bit more time-consuming than throwing a sandwich together, but they are prepared with the well-being of the family in mind. After glancing at the mouth-watering pictures that accompany the recipes, it is obvious that the boxes are designed to be well-balanced with attention given to almost all food groups.

Non-traditional recipes, such as hot dogs, falafel, and pizza, are included next to traditional recipes.

As a vegetarian, I always look to see how recipes geared toward omnivores can be adapted for me. Most of the recipes in Simply Bento can be made for vegetarians and vegans with a substitution here or there. A lot of the vegetable side dishes need no substitutions. and plus there are recipes for different vegetable pickles (I love pickled vegetables).

Besides the huge variety of recipes, the authors also discuss the types of bento boxes to use, pantry essentials, ingredients, and accessories. If you’re new to bento boxes, like me, all of this information is necessary and so welcome.

I am practically salivating over some of these recipes and can’t wait to try them!

Simply Bento goes on sale October 9. You can pre-order here:

Simply Bento

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

rating: 

4 butterflies out of 5 butterflies