Buy new:
$18.69
FREE delivery Thursday, May 2 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
List Price: $32.50 Details

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Save: $13.81 (42%)
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Thursday, May 2 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 1. Order within 17 hrs 13 mins
In Stock
$$18.69 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$18.69
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime
FREE delivery Thursday, May 2 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 1. Order within 17 hrs 13 mins
Used: Good | Details
Sold by Shop Brilliant
Fulfilled by Amazon
Condition: Used: Good
Comment: 👌 Great reading copy and overall good condition. Pages are legible but may include writing, underlining/highlighting, some wear & creases on the cover. *Cover jacket can be missing or suffer minor tears. Book may show signs of normal shelf wear and bends on edges, Light stains etc. Item may be missing bundled Media/Items. An can previously have been library or school. We offer 100% money back guarantee and 24/7 customer service. Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime.

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is a service we offer sellers that lets them store their products in Amazon's fulfillment centers, and we directly pack, ship, and provide customer service for these products. Something we hope you'll especially enjoy: FBA items qualify for FREE Shipping and Amazon Prime.

If you're a seller, Fulfillment by Amazon can help you grow your business. Learn more about the program.

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Lukas Volger
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Start Simple: Eleven Everyday Ingredients for Countless Weeknight Meals Hardcover – Illustrated, February 18, 2020

by Lukas Volger (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 284 ratings
See all formats and editions
Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
iphone with kindle app
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.

Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.

View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.

Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.

Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Get the free Kindle app: Link to the kindle app page Link to the kindle app page
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
View Kindle Edition
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$18.69","priceAmount":18.69,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"18","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"69","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"JqTnEGsFcjhfbUTh2dSM57M7igFqkaR%2F4KXcG7gqon9l5LTCtD%2BTwVY7vQ%2F4pbHsx5L1vwAXNjxbN1Gr3xtm2%2FKeuDbagRAV4rKArH%2F9flCGyYfAX3EN%2FVjM8OXZSnjpABSPIKZf%2FHdaa5MdAq%2F0Ig%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$12.20","priceAmount":12.20,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"12","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"20","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"JqTnEGsFcjhfbUTh2dSM57M7igFqkaR%2F%2Fdml5u2vWE0PVZUT5tkM%2BbcJmy1ZXU7MwNxsKrkHGPqn1zvPX8idIix%2BsZsODACjEfTKUEG0UZYeszQ6qdAbh1LoYwo79NGMtFhh%2BweS5COdadV99fytfDKcXQhoOjNHkQSw7eFhvLD2KkrYnwhpHw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

From veteran food writer, recipe developer, and creator of the James Beard Award-winning Jarry magazine comes an innovative approach to vegetarian cooking.

What have I got to eat? It’s a question we ask every time we open up the refrigerator or pantry door. It might be eggs, some cheese, and half a loaf of bread, or a box of wilting greens, garlic, and some sweet potatoes. Though these ingredients may not seem like much to make a delicious meal, recipe developer and author Lukas Volger knows it’s all you need. In Start Simple he offers a radically new, uncomplicated, and creative approach to cooking that allows you to use what you already have on hand to make great meals you didn’t think were possible.

Magic can happen with just a few ingredients: sweet potatoes, tortillas, eggs, cabbage, hearty greens, beans, winter squash, mushrooms, tofu, summer squash, and cauliflower. Volger advises readers to stock up on these eleven building blocks instead of shopping for a single recipe. A protein (tofu, beans, eggs) is a foundation. A crunchy garnish (cabbage, greens) is a finishing touch. Once these structural components of a meal are established, home chefs can throw in their own variations and favorite flavors—mixing, matching, and adding ingredients to customize their dishes.

While Start Simple is a vegetarian cookbook—none of the recipes include meat—Volger’s approach transcends categories. His methods aren’t about subscribing to a specific dietary regimen; they are about simply recognizing and embracing the way people cook and eat today. Creating weekly meal plans based on intricate recipes sounds good, but it can be difficult to execute. Having a well-stocked pantry paired with a choose-you-own adventure guide to creating simple yet inventive meals is more practical for your average home cook.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    272 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Harper
  4. Publication date
    February 18, 2020
  5. Dimensions
    7.38 x 0.97 x 9.12 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0062883593
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0062883599
  8. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

Start Simple: Eleven Everyday Ingredients for Countless Weeknight Meals
$18.69
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Snacks for Dinner: Small Bites, Full Plates, Can't Lose
$18.29
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Veggie Burgers Every Which Way, Second Edition: Fresh, Flavorful, and Healthy Plant-Based Burgers―Plus Toppings, Sides, Buns,
$12.80
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

From the Publisher

Deb Perlman

Wall Street Journal

Washington Post

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lukas Volger is the author of three previous vegetarian cookbooks, including Bowl and Veggie Burgers Every Which Way. He's also the founder and editorial director of Jarry, a James Beard Award-winning biannual food magazine that explores where food and queer culture intersect, and previously founded Made by Lukas, a Brooklyn-based line of premium veggie burgers. His food writing has appeared in Vogue, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, Time, The Splendid Table, Food52, and other publications.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper; Illustrated edition (February 18, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062883593
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062883599
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.92 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.38 x 0.97 x 9.12 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 284 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Lukas Volger

Lukas Volger

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Lukas Volger is a cookbook author, food writer, recipe developer, and editor. His most recent book is Snacks for Dinner. He cofounded and served as editorial director for Jarry, an award-winning semiannual queer food journal, and previously created the premium veggie burger line, Made by Lukas. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
284 global ratings
Don't bother making room on the bookshelf...
5 Stars
Don't bother making room on the bookshelf...
... You won't be putting it away! I have no idea where to really begin with this. This book has so many amazing recipes! I have probably cooked about half of this book in the month or so that I've had it; many recipes I've made 2 or 3 times. We love the couple of recipes that are kind of like meal preps for other recipes. The marinated greens are especially good. I use them for sandwiches, frittata, throw them into bowls and wraps. The grilled PB & greens may sound strange at first but it is really good. The big pot of beans will feed a crowd or keep you in leftovers for many meals; naturally this could be halved to make less or you can freeze some. Every time I make something, we sit down and say, "another winner." The other great thing, most of it comes together fast enough for a weeknight.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Neal C-H
5.0 out of 5 stars Don't bother making room on the bookshelf...
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2021
Verified Purchase
... You won't be putting it away! I have no idea where to really begin with this. This book has so many amazing recipes! I have probably cooked about half of this book in the month or so that I've had it; many recipes I've made 2 or 3 times. We love the couple of recipes that are kind of like meal preps for other recipes. The marinated greens are especially good. I use them for sandwiches, frittata, throw them into bowls and wraps. The grilled PB & greens may sound strange at first but it is really good. The big pot of beans will feed a crowd or keep you in leftovers for many meals; naturally this could be halved to make less or you can freeze some. Every time I make something, we sit down and say, "another winner." The other great thing, most of it comes together fast enough for a weeknight.
Customer image
Neal C-H
5.0 out of 5 stars Don't bother making room on the bookshelf...
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2021
... You won't be putting it away! I have no idea where to really begin with this. This book has so many amazing recipes! I have probably cooked about half of this book in the month or so that I've had it; many recipes I've made 2 or 3 times. We love the couple of recipes that are kind of like meal preps for other recipes. The marinated greens are especially good. I use them for sandwiches, frittata, throw them into bowls and wraps. The grilled PB & greens may sound strange at first but it is really good. The big pot of beans will feed a crowd or keep you in leftovers for many meals; naturally this could be halved to make less or you can freeze some. Every time I make something, we sit down and say, "another winner." The other great thing, most of it comes together fast enough for a weeknight.
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image Customer image
Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
9 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
J.W.A.
5.0 out of 5 stars Quick and in great condition
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2023
Verified Purchase
Book was quickly delivered and even better quality than described. Very happy with my purchase.
Helpful
 Report
Stephanie W.B.
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, practical, cookbook, emphasizing plants
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2022
Verified Purchase
This is an excellent cookbook, using a basic pantry and 11 featured ingredients, for healthy, vegetable rich food. I love the narrow ingredient list which leads to a multitude of delicious looking dishes. The smaller number of ingredients and straightforward recipes seem to provide layers of flavor for the lightly experienced cook and their beneficiaries.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
HomeschoolMom38
5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
I bought the kindle version because it was a good price and I am glad I did. I was hoping for easy everyday vegetarian recipes and this didn’t disappoint. I love the concept of using several healthy everyday easy to find options. I like the tips such as how to bake squash easily, how to pick tofu, and how to make marinated greens to prolong their shelf life. I can’t eat eggs, but there are plenty of recipes that don’t use eggs to still make this worth my while. I have flagged several recipes to make right away. I do anticipate they will be tasty because I already enjoy the ingredients.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Karen van der Merwe
5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and delicious! Mouthwatering motivation to get cooking...
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2020
Verified Purchase
I bought this book on Kindle since it doesn't ship to South Africa right now - and the price! A real bargain. Jump in while it is still at this excellent price. I have the author's Vegetarian Burger book as well and his Bowls book so I expected a lot, because his recipes are truly wonderful. Well explained and easy to follow - but this book! It is his best work yet. There is nothing in here that I won't attempt. Even though a lot of recipes are for 4-6 people and we are only two, it is no trouble at all to half the recipes. My husband isn't vegetarian but I can tell that it is food that he will love. This is no fuss, full flavor at it best.
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Stacey
3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I thought
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2023
Verified Purchase
The cookbook itself is well written and beautiful with lovely pictures and good instructions. But I was uninspired, Most of the recipes were too "weird" for my family to enjoy. If the book was just for me, I would have given it 5 stars as I love different interpretations of foods but I was under the impression that this book was full of simple recipes that everyone would like- not the case. I will keep it around for nights that the kids are away and make myself some yummy "weird" food.
Helpful
 Report
Ben Chandler
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful cookbook, even more useful these days
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
When I received this cookbook back in February, I knew I would enjoy it, since Lukas Volger’s other cookbooks are ones I return to time and time again for delicious, straightforward, unfussy recipes that have clearly been tested. However, I was really impressed to see that he has managed to do something both new and quite useful, by organizing the recipes around a few kitchen staples. Wondering what to make for dinner, but feeling unmotivated? Look in your fridge and find something you need to use such as greens, mushrooms, beans or eggs, and then flip to that section for inspiration.

Just over a month later, when we are social distancing and have less control over available ingredients, this cookbook has become even more valuable. I can’t recommend it enough!
40 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
McKenna Linn
5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, delicious, sane cooking
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2020
Verified Purchase
Lukas Volger clearly delights in the beauty of fresh ingredients. His style is simple, efficient, and healthy. There are times when I want to spend half the day cooking something with twenty three ingredients. And then there is the rest of the week/month. I like how he uses parts that would normally be tossed, for instance roasted Swiss chard stems. And how he cooks a large batch of something, and then uses it for a variety of different meals. This has become one of my all-time favorite cookbooks. The quiet sanity is peaceful. No manic banging around the kitchen :-)
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

nina h.
3.0 out of 5 stars Seemed like a great book
Reviewed in Germany on April 15, 2023
Verified Purchase
Seemed like a great and useful book, but in the end there were very few things that I wanted to cook as a dinner. Sure, this book can be seen as a starter to interesting recipes, but I'd not expect a book about weeknight meals to give incomplete recipes for whose completion a lot more research is needed. Shame, really. I never send books back, thus this is a first.
Report
Nittie
5.0 out of 5 stars SUCH A GREAT BOOK!
Reviewed in Italy on September 20, 2022
Verified Purchase
I've had this book for over a year now and it is brilliant! I've tried already so many recipes out if it and some of them have become staples in my house! They are all easy, achievable receipes that pack a punch! Especially useful if you are vegetarian or vegan or cutting down on meat in general! I would totally reccomend this book if you love a relaxed approach to cooking, you love to experiment (in moderation) and want to have yummie fuss-free meals.
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive & Well written
Reviewed in Canada on March 2, 2020
Verified Purchase
The title of this book got my attention months ago and I’ve waited for it’s being published.
It is just as the title says, simple. Just one example is tofu—I haven’t eaten it in years, but I’m going to try the 4 options illustrated. He makes everything look amazing, and simple. I find this book particularly inspiring to eat healthy and make food that is more interesting.
2 people found this helpful
 Report
maggie
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect timing for simple healthy ideas
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
Looks great and perfect for our current situation for simple healthy eating. Will my way through this happily!
Report
Nini
5.0 out of 5 stars The title says it, start simple and end up with something special!
Reviewed in Canada on July 16, 2020
Verified Purchase
I like everything about this book, the language, clever use of simple ingredients and the relaxed attitude. His book “Bowl” is wonderful too. Both books occupy prime real estate on my shelf!
One person found this helpful
 Report