Really useful structure, and I liked the variation of ideas.
Feature image credit: Rebecca Wu
Always Delicious Low-FODMAP Kitchen is an easy-to-follow cookbook designed to make living with food intolerances easy. Each recipe is coded, indicating if they are free of diary, soy, lactose, egg, gluten, or nuts. There is also a batchcook-appropriate code (when applicable) for the time-poor, and a blurb for each recipe, of the kind that a friend would say about making a dish.
The layout and structure of the book were the best features of this cookbook. For the purposes of this review, I chose three dishes: two different meats, and a dessert.
Shawarma-style Chicken with Spiced Rice (page 62)
This had a very mild flavour overall, and some of the chicken pieces came out dry, whereas others did not. Perhaps they could be moved around during the baking process to avoid this. I enjoyed the texture the most in this dish: The crunch of the almonds against the texture of the soft rice with cranberries worked well, along with the mix of spices. I swapped ground cardamom for whole pods, which worked fine.
The book suggests that this meal is for six people, but we ate it all just the two of us, and I served it with broccoli on the side. It would be good to take as a potluck plate, since it’s satisfying but doesn’t have vegetables included. Please also note the cooking time was considerably longer than what the book quoted.
Swedish Meatballs (page 134)
The meatballs on their own were incredibly light in flavour – in fact, the flavour was almost non-existent. Combined with being quite dense, they weren’t very enjoyable by themselves, so I suggest making them very small. The gravy is what makes this meal.
Overall, the flavours stayed very light, which would suit people who prefer a blander palate. I should also note I used cream instead of milk in the sauce which may have made it a bit richer.
Raspberry White Choc Blondies (page 177)
I was initially worried about this dish being super sweet due to it using white chocolate, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the balance just right. Very easy dessert to make and stores well in the fridge (it took four days to finish and still maintained its freshness).
Overall, Always Delicious would suit home cooks who enjoy straightforward recipes, don’t mind lighter flavours, and want a range of dishes that they can batchcook if time poor. Author Chrissy Glentis is co-founder of Foddies and has lived with intolerances since she was 19 years old.
Reviewed by Rebecca Wu
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Murdoch Books
Released: July 2025
RRP: $39.99
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