The River Cottage Cookbook

by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall
The River Cottage Cookbook cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Cookbooks / Food Writing
Buy online
Waterstones
Hardback • £35.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1023
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-09-24
  • ISBN: 9781580089098
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Formats: 23
  • Reviews: 4

The River Cottage Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to cooking with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. It provides techniques and recipes for preparing food from your garden, locally raised animals, or foraged finds, along with advice on storing and preserving your harvest. The book also delves into the importance of supporting local economies and making resourceful use of plants and animals, making it a must-read for anyone interested in eco-friendly cooking. /n/n This cookbook goes beyond just recipes, offering insights into the philosophy of sustainable living and the benefits of connecting with your food sources. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll find valuable information and inspiration to create delicious, wholesome meals while minimizing your environmental impact.

Reviews
Serious Eats · 2025-09-24
inspiring 4.50

The book is praised for its accessible and sustainable approach to eating, making it inspiring for both cooks and gardeners.

They highlight the book's accessibility and its un-snobby approach to sustainable eating. They found it particularly inspiring for avid cooks and gardeners, appreciating the practical advice and the emphasis on sustainability. The reviewer enjoys how the book makes complex topics approachable and encourages a deeper connection with food and nature. Overall, it's seen as a valuable guide for those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

Quick quotes

    An accessible, decidedly un-snobby approach to sustainable eating.

    That's bound to inspire avid cooks and gardeners.

    It's a witty, practical guide to the River Cottage lifestyle.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-24
inspiring 4.50

The River Cottage Cookbook is praised for its practical lessons, amusing anecdotes, and useful information on sustainable, seasonal food. It inspires readers to strive for a life filled with fresh, wholesome food and offers a deeper understanding of food provenance.

The River Cottage Cookbook is celebrated for its comprehensive approach to food, going beyond just recipes. It includes practical lessons, amusing anecdotes, and valuable information about growing, rearing, hunting, and foraging one's own food. Readers find it inspiring and educational, encouraging them to adopt a more sustainable and seasonal approach to eating. The book's philosophy on food is interesting and thought-provoking, even for those who may not use all the recipes. It's a classic that continues to inspire and educate readers about the importance of fresh, wholesome food.

Quick quotes

    Every time I pick it up I learn something, but most importantly it inspires me to keep striving for a life filled with fresh, sustainable, seasonal and delicious food!

    Recetas sencillas y originales, y algo (mucho) más sobre sus ingredientes. Aunque no como carne y muchas de las recetas no las voy a aplicar nunca, la filosofía de Hugh sobre los alimentos es siempre interesante.

    A true classic which contains so much more than just the title of 'cookbook' alludes to.

Café St. Honore · 2024-05-29
thoughtful 4.50

The cookbook is encyclopedic and thoughtful, with a focus on sustainability and local recipes.

The reviewer describes this as an encyclopedic cookbook that caters to thoughtful cooks. They appreciate the sustainable approach and the nod to local and old recipes, which add a unique and valuable perspective. The book is seen as a comprehensive resource that encourages a deeper understanding of food and its origins. They highlight the practical advice and the emphasis on sustainability, making it a must-have for anyone interested in mindful cooking.

Quick quotes

    It is an encyclopaedic cookbook for the thoughtful cook.

    With a sustainable approach and a nod to using more local and old recipes and dishes.

    It is an encyclopaedic cookbook for the thoughtful cook.

londonreviewofcookbooks.blogspot.com · Unknown · 2011-02-06
excellent 4.50

The River Cottage Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, emphasizing simplicity and sustainability. It offers a wealth of practical advice and recipes, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced cooks.

The River Cottage Cookbook stands out for its focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create delicious and sustainable meals. The book is packed with practical tips and a wide range of recipes that cater to various skill levels. It not only teaches cooking techniques but also promotes a deeper understanding of food sources and sustainability. The recipes are well-explained and easy to follow, making it a great companion for anyone looking to improve their culinary skills. The emphasis on simplicity and the use of local produce makes it particularly appealing to those who value fresh and wholesome food.

Quick quotes

    The River Cottage Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

    It emphasizes simplicity and sustainability, making it a valuable resource for both novice and experienced cooks.

    The recipes are well-explained and easy to follow, making it a great companion for anyone looking to improve their culinary skills.

Appears in Lists