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VEGANA ITALIANA

Tara Punzone Gene Stone

Traditional Italian the Plant-Based Way

Discover the delicious flavors of plant-based Italian cooking with more than 100 vegan recipes inspired by classic Italian dishes, from the owner and chef of Pura Vita
Ever wish you could whip up vegan versions of Fettuccine Alfredo or meatballs? As the owner and chef behind the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant in the United States, Tara Punzone knows how to transform classic Italian staples into delicious vegan dishes without sacrificing any flavor. Growing up in a big Italian family in New York, food was always at the heart of Punzone's community and gatherings. Her debut cookbook, Vegana Italiana, offers more than 100 vegan Italian recipes inspired by her family's meals and fan-favorites from her Los Angeles-based restaurant Pura Vita.

When Punzone decided to go vegan when she was twelve years old, she learned how to follow a vegan lifestyle without compromising her traditions, heritage, or love of bold flavors, and this cookbook shares her tips to help you do the same, while also embracing new techniques and flavors along the way. She also shares her personal stories and memories from growing up in New York and moving to California as well as the culinary inspiration she received from her family.

With tips for stocking your pantry and strategies to replicate Italian essentials like mozzarella and ricotta cheese, Vegana Italiana includes delicious recipes like:

The Basics: Macadamia Parmigiano, Alfredo Sauce, and Roasted Garlic Aioli
Antipasti: Bruschetta, Garlic Parmigiano Potato Wedges, and Strawberry Almond Ricotta Crostini
Insalata e Verdure: Caprese, Peppas, and Stuffed Artichokes
Soups and Stews: Minestrone, Sicilian Red Lentil, and Roasted Garlic Creamy Tomato Soup
Pasta: Ravioli Pomodoro, Pesto Calabrese, and Cacio e Pepe
Secondi: Eggplant Parmigiana, Meatball Parmigiano Hero, and Heartbeet Risotto
Dolci: Tiramisu, Panna Cotta, and Lemon Mint Granita

Complete with gorgeous full-color photography taken at Pura Vita, Vegana Italiana is your ultimate guide to vegan Italian cooking.

Chef Tara Punzone is an Italian American from New York who has thrived on a vegan diet for over thirty years. In 2018, Tara opened Pura Vita West Hollywood, the first 100% plant-based Italian restaurant and wine bar in the United States, and she has since opened two additional locations: Pura Vita Pizzeria and Pura Vita Redondo Beach. She is also the winner of the National Award for "Chef of the Year" by VegOut Magazine.
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Published 2025-10-07 by Rodale

Comments

Part love letter to Italy, part encyclopedia of plant-based technique, Vegana Italiana is a joyous celebration of food, family, and heart. I want to make everything in this book!

I've had the pleasure of eating Chef Tara's delicious recipes for years, and I'm so excited she is now sharing them with the world! Her passion for good food (the best Italian food), friends, and family, and her compassion for animals and the planet are unmatched!

This cookbook is a revelation! As a longtime fan and patron of Pura Vita restaurant, I am delighted that Tara has now made her innovative, fun, and delicious Italian vegan fare available to everyone! Tara's recipes elevate vegan home cooking to an entirely new level. I'm looking forward to working my way through the whole book!