Curated Cuisine: “Plantas” author Alexa Soto pays homage to Mexican cooking with a modern, vegan twist

Curated Cuisine is a monthly series examining all things edible, from the chefs cooking the food to the writers reviewing the recipes. Meet the people shaping the food industry, both local and national and enjoy a post-show bite inspired by the conversation.

WBUR senior arts and culture reporter Cristela Guerra moderates a conversation with recipe creator, mental health advocate and food blogger Alexa Soto about her new cookbook, “Plantas: Modern Vegan Recipes for Traditional Mexican Cooking.” A vegan for nearly a decade, Soto wanted to create a book that pays homage to her Mexican heritage and celebrates the array of fruits and vegetables that make up the staples of this beloved cuisine by recreating traditional recipes with a vegan twist. She offers dishes that are simple, affordable and healthy —everything from jackfruit mushroom carnitas tacos to cauliflower al Pastor and lasagna de mole.

Copies of the book will be available from our bookstore partner Brookline Booksmith, Soto will sign and guests will enjoy a bite from the book following the conversation.

This event is produced in partnership with New England Culinary Arts Training.

About “Plantas”

Join Alexa Soto as she highlights the beauty of traditional Mexican cuisine with a plant-based twist for simple, affordable and healthful vegan meals from breakfast to postre. Paired with Alexa’s own gorgeous photography, “Plantas” is a joyful, welcoming guide to enjoying the traditional food of Mexico in a modern, sustainable way, a celebration of the array of fruits and vegetables that make up the staples of this beloved cuisine. Perfect for full-time vegans and those looking to incorporate more plants into their diet alike, “Plantas" is full of weeknight meals, snacks, salsas and cocktails that will simplify dinner and inspire your next taco night, including:

• Salsas and garnishes like guacasalsa, Abue’s salsa habanero piña, and dairy-free chipotle crema
• Taco dishes from taquitos de jamaica to jackfruit mushroom carnitas tacos
• Main courses such as hearts of palm ceviche tostadas, tamales de elote, cauliflower al pastor and lasagna de mole
• Dessert showstoppers like tres leches cake, churros and chocoflan
• Plus cocktails, coffee drinks and nonalcoholic beverages to round out every meal

Full of traditional flavors, modern spins, stories passed down through Alexas’ family and tips for bringing more plants into your life, “Plantas” is your resource for vibrant, decadent and healthy meals with beloved Mexican flavors and ingredients that inspire and highlight the natural beauty and bounty of cooking with plants.

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