COOKBOOK REVIEW: THUG KITCHEN – THE OFFICIAL COOKBOOK

THUG KITCHEN

Author: Thug Kitchen
Sphere RRP $35
Review: Monique Mulligan

In response to the plethora of “beautifully designed and elegantly written” foodie blogs on the Internet, LA-based duo Thug Kitchen have released their own cookbook that steps out of, in their words, the “boring as f**k” mould. That should be enough to tell you that this is a controversial book (and blog) that doesn’t give a rats about a bit (a lot) of swearing. What they care about is good food and being a kitchen “badass”. The blurb says it well.

THUG KITCHEN breaks the goddamn mould. With a shout-out from Gwyneth Paltrow on her Goop newsletter (‘this might be my favourite thing ever’), millions of hits on their website and a ‘best new blog’ award already under their belt, the TK team has struck gold by providing delicious, healthy and easy-to-prepare recipes for everyone who’s spent their life avoiding the lentil pushers but still wants to be kind to their body. With recipes including BBQ Bean Burrito with Grilled Peach Salsa, and Peanut Butter and Banana Muffins, THUG KITCHEN is out to prove that you can be healthy and still be a total badass in the kitchen.

Actually, the blurb is pretty tame – you need to be aware that the phrase “eat like you give a f**k” is predominant, every recipe is “good s**t” and you’ll be hard pressed NOT to find a recipe without at least one “f**k”, “f**king” or “motherf**ker” in it. If that bothers you, this is not a cookbook for you, no matter how fantastic the recipes are. If it doesn’t, you’ll probably find loads of tasty recipes, helpful advice and Thug Kitchen tips to inspire you. The message, if not the delivery, is sound – eat the right foods (more veggies), avoid processed foods, cook from scratch and use fresh ingredients.

I admit, this one’s not for me – but I did take the time to go through the recipes and I will be trying a few out, such as the vegetable Pad Thai, the BBQ Bean Burrito, Chocolate Fudge Pops and Moroccan Spiced Couscous. My son and his girlfriend, however, thought the concept was great, so I’ll be passing this book to them when I’m done.

Available from good bookstores. My copy was courtesy of Hachette Australia.