Rich, creamy and against all odds healthy, just a smear of this flavor-packed dip can transform any dish into something infinitely more delicious. Hummus-lovers everywhere will be satiated with this book of over 65 inventive vegan hummus recipes. It’s the humble Eastern Mediterranean mezze dish that stole our hearts – who’d have thought a little bowl of smashed up chickpeas could taste like magic? Hummus has become an essential item for any modern well-stocked fridge, whether served as a dip with breadsticks, slathered on bread to give oomph to kebabs or sandwiches, or offered as part of a main meal in its own right. Homemade hummus is superior to store-bought in many ways: it is less sour, more intense in fresh flavours and inexpensive to put together. Here author Dunja Gulin shares her tips and tricks for making perfect homemade hummus, so that you can get the flavour balance and texture just right every time. The classic combination is usually chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic and tahini – but this basic recipe is so versatile that it gratefully absorbs any flavour you can throw at it. Hummus Where the Heart Is  includes such recipes as Onion Jam Hummus, Indonesian-style Hummus, a Baked Aubergine variety and a moreish Cashew and Avocado concoction. There is even a chapter of Dippers, which includes Chapatis, Pitta Breads and Sesame Grissini, with chapters for Hummus Meals and even a daring Desserts section!  

Falafel are deep-fried balls or patties of chickpea or broad beans, with added herbs, spices, onion and garlic and are widely eaten across the Middle East. While the style varies from region to region, they’re usually enjoyed in a wrap or pitta with salad, tahini, pickles and a spicy sauce. Long popular in Britain, particularly among immigrant communities, falafel are now a nationwide staple, and have swiftly become one of our most popular fast foods. It’s not hard to see why: they also fall into that wondrous overlapping category of being crave-worthy and satisfying, as well as nutritious and fairly low in fat. What’s more, they are a brilliant source of protein for those who don’t eat meat. They are rich in fibre and modern falafel are often made with added vegetables, nuts and seeds, lentils, or grains, as are many of the delicious recipes in this book. Try the Fennel & Lemon Scented Falafel or Juicy Brown Rice Faux-lafel. Find Crunchy Sesame Falafel or Falafel Croquettes or enjoy snacks such as tasty Mediterranean Seed Falafel, all packed with good stuff, and very low fat. Whip up a drizzle such as Home-made Tahini Sauce, as the perfect complement your hot, freshly cooked patties. Finally, make tangy quick pickles, crisp herby salads and easy flatbreads so you can serve your freshly cooked falafel with all the trimmings and enjoy it as its best.

Whether you are a full-time vegan or you choose to cut out animal products whenever possible, there’s no need to miss out on your favourite cakes. Baking without eggs, butter and milk is not only possible, but also easy and just as delicious as what you are used to baking. There are now so many alternative ingredients available from supermarkets and healthfood stores and with Dunja Gulin’s recipes, you’ll have all the inspiration you need to start baking. Dunja's background and expertise in natural nutrition provides invaluable insight in this collection of nourishing vegan bakes. Simple Cakes and Muffins to try include Muffins with Summer Berries; Fancy Cakes like the stunning Chocolate Layer Cake are sure to impress; for a mid-morning snack, try Slices & Bars like Bean Brownies and Fruity Oat Bars; choose from Cookies and Biscuits such as Hazelnut Bites and Coffee-Toffee Cookies; vegan Pies, Tarts & Strudels can be just as good as real pastry, so try a Pear Strudel; bake vegan Herb Focaccia and you will never buy regular Bread again; and finally, Special Baked Treats like Jam Parcels and Baked Plum Dumplings make mouthwatering desserts.