Get ready to fall in love with vegan Italian food. In this delicious episode of Food Heals, Allison sits down with Chef Tara Punzone, founder of LA’s award-winning vegan restaurant Pura Vita, and renowned author Gene Stone (Forks Over Knives, How Not to Die) to talk about their brand new cookbook, Vegana Italiana.
From mouthwatering pastas and creamy vegan ricotta to tiramisu you’ll dream about, this episode explores how simple, clean ingredients and a little love can create unforgettable meals that are as good for you as they are for the planet.
You’ll discover:
The story behind the first vegan Italian organic restaurant in the U.S. and how it survived Covid and thrived
How Tara and Gene teamed up to bring her recipes and stories to life in Vegana Italiana
The secret to making authentic Italian flavors without dairy or meat (hint: it starts with olive oil and San Marzano tomatoes)
Why real Italian food makes you feel good instead of bloated and how ingredients grown in Italy differ from those in the U.S.
What “biodynamic wine” actually means (and why you’ll never drink the same way again)
Tara’s top favorite recipes from the book, including her vegan tiramisu, handmade gnocchi, and addictive mozzarella
How to stock your “Essential Vegan Italian Pantry” for success
The mindset shifts that helped Tara manifest her dream restaurant and now, her dream cookbook
Listen now to learn how to cook, eat, and live the Italian vegan way, full of passion, flavor, and love.