The Don’t Panic Pantry Cookbook: Mostly Vegetarian Comfort Food That Happens To Be Pretty Good for You

As a pandemic project, chef Galuten and Iliza Shlesinger, his comedian wife, began a streaming cooking show designed to entertain and comfort, but also to help those people who panic-bought beans, lentils, and brown rice but really didn’t know what to do with them. “Don’t panic, go to your well-stocked pantry, and cook something wonderful” is the outcome they wish for all and the message they underscore. The opening chapter, in fact, shows how to set up and maintain a pantry that will empower home cooks to handle anything. Following chapters cover all the typical courses readers expect, except for desserts. Some, like the sauerkraut omelet, may need the upbeat introduction the authors provide for readers to be willing to try it. Others, such as the chicken Milanesa and the turkey meatballs, could come from any modern cookbook. The major focus, though, is on vegetables and grains and making them the stars of the meal.