Vegan cooking has become increasingly popular in recent years. More people are choosing plant-based diets for health, environmental, or ethical reasons. Vegan cookbooks offer a wealth of recipes and ideas for those looking to explore meat-free and dairy-free cooking. They can help both new and experienced cooks create delicious meals using only plant-based ingredients.
Vegan cookbooks come in many varieties, from simple beginner guides to more advanced chef-inspired collections. Some focus on quick and easy meals, while others showcase gourmet techniques. Many vegan cookbooks also address nutrition, helping readers ensure they get all the nutrients they need from plant sources.
When choosing a vegan cookbook, it’s important to consider your cooking skill level and goals. Beginners may want a book with simple recipes and easy-to-find ingredients. More experienced cooks might prefer books that offer unique flavor combinations or teach new techniques. It’s also helpful to look for cookbooks that match your dietary preferences, such as gluten-free or oil-free options.
We spent hours researching and reviewing dozens of vegan cookbooks to find the best options for different needs and skill levels.
Best Vegan Cookbooks of All Time
We’ve put together a list of the top vegan cookbooks ever made. These books are packed with tasty plant-based recipes that even non-vegans will love. From quick weeknight meals to fancy dishes, there’s something for everyone in these cookbooks.
Big Vegan Flavor Cookbook
We think this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to master vegan cooking with bold, exciting flavors.
Pros
- Packed with 150 diverse recipes
- Includes helpful cooking techniques
- Beautiful photos and engaging writing style
Cons
- Large size may be hard to store
- Some ingredients may be hard to find
- Might be overwhelming for beginners
We’ve been using this cookbook for a few weeks now, and we’re blown away by the depth of flavor in every recipe. The Ethiopian red lentil stew with spiced butter is out of this world! We love how Nisha Vora breaks down complex techniques into easy-to-follow steps.
The photos in this book are stunning. We find ourselves flipping through it just to admire the mouthwatering images. It’s not just a cookbook – it’s almost like an encyclopedia of vegan cooking. We’ve learned so much about different ingredients and cooking methods.
At over 600 pages, this book is hefty. But we think it’s worth the space it takes up on our shelf. We’ve tried about a dozen recipes so far, and each one has been a hit with both vegans and non-vegans alike. If you’re looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this cookbook is a great place to start.
The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook
We highly recommend this cookbook for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.
Pros
- Huge variety of recipes
- Flexible ingredients
- Clear instructions
Cons
- Text-heavy layout
- Few pictures
- Some recipes time-consuming
We’ve been using this cookbook for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly become our go-to for plant-based meals. The 500 recipes offer tons of variety, from quick weeknight dinners to fancier weekend dishes. We love how flexible the recipes are – it’s easy to swap ingredients based on what we have on hand.
The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for cooking newbies. We’ve had great success with dishes like the lentil bolognese and chickpea curry. The flavors are spot-on, and we don’t miss the meat at all.
One thing to note is that the book is pretty text-heavy. There aren’t many pictures, which can make it a bit hard to visualize the final dish. Some recipes also take quite a bit of time to prepare. But for us, the tasty results are worth the effort. If you’re looking to eat more plants, this cookbook is a great place to start.
Blue Zones Kitchen
We think this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to embrace a healthier, plant-based lifestyle inspired by the world’s longest-living communities.
Pros
- Beautiful photos and engaging stories
- Simple, nutritious recipes
- Focus on longevity-promoting foods
Cons
- Some recipes use refined ingredients
- May require unfamiliar ingredients
- Limited options for certain dietary restrictions
We were blown away by the stunning visuals in this cookbook. The photos transport you to the Blue Zones, making you feel like you’re right there in these incredible places. It’s not just a recipe book – it’s a journey through cultures known for their longevity.
The recipes are surprisingly easy to follow. We tried the chickpea and lemon soup, and it quickly became a favorite in our house. The simplicity of the ingredients really lets the flavors shine. It’s amazing how such basic components can create such a delicious meal.
We love how this book goes beyond just recipes. It shares the stories and wisdom from these long-living communities. It’s inspiring to learn about their lifestyle habits and how we can incorporate them into our own lives. The Blue Zones Kitchen isn’t just about food – it’s a guide to living well.
Forks Over Knives Cookbook
We think this cookbook is a great buy for anyone looking to start or enhance their plant-based cooking journey.
Pros
- Loads of tasty, easy-to-follow recipes
- Helps with weight loss and health goals
- Great for both beginners and experienced cooks
Cons
- Lacks photos for many recipes
- Some ingredients may be hard to find
- Recipes can be time-consuming
We’ve been using this cookbook for a while now, and it’s become a staple in our kitchen. The recipes are simple yet flavorful, making it easy to whip up delicious vegan meals. We love how the book breaks down complex nutrition ideas into bite-sized chunks.
One thing we really like is the variety of dishes. From hearty casseroles to light salads, there’s something for every mood and occasion. The book also gives helpful tips on stocking your pantry and meal planning, which we found super useful when starting out.
On the flip side, we wish there were more pictures. It’s always nice to see what the finished dish should look like. Some recipes also call for ingredients that aren’t always easy to find in regular stores. But don’t let that stop you – most dishes can be tweaked with what you have on hand.
PlantYou Cookbook
We highly recommend this cookbook for anyone looking to explore delicious and easy plant-based, oil-free recipes.
Pros
- Beautiful, full-color photos
- Simple, common ingredients
- Easy-to-follow recipes
Cons
- Hardcover may be less practical for kitchen use
- Some recipes may require specialty items
- Oil-free focus may not suit all preferences
We love this cookbook! The PlantYou Cookbook is packed with over 140 plant-based, oil-free recipes that are super easy to make. The photos are gorgeous, showing off every dish in full color. It’s not just pretty to look at though – these recipes really work.
We found the ingredients list refreshingly simple. Most items were things we already had in our pantry or could easily grab at the local store. This made trying new recipes much less daunting. The instructions are clear and straightforward, perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
One thing we really liked was the variety of dishes. From breakfast to dessert, there’s something for every meal and taste. We tried the crunchy peanut shredded salad and it was a hit! The book is great for anyone wanting to eat more plants, whether you’re a long-time vegan or just starting out. It’s been a game-changer in our kitchen, helping us cook tasty, healthy meals without much fuss.
The Vegan Chinese Kitchen
We believe this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to explore delicious vegan Chinese cuisine.
Pros
- Beautiful, full-page photos
- Easy-to-follow recipes
- Unique blend of tradition and modern techniques
Cons
- Some recipes may require specialty ingredients
- Not all dishes are quick weeknight meals
- May be too focused for those wanting general vegan recipes
We’ve been cooking up a storm with this amazing cookbook! The Vegan Chinese Kitchen has quickly become one of our favorites. The recipes are clear and easy to follow, even for those new to Chinese cooking.
The photos in this book are stunning. Each dish has a full-page picture that makes our mouths water. We love how the author shares personal stories and traditions along with the recipes. It feels like we’re learning about Chinese culture while we cook.
We’ve tried several recipes so far, and they’ve all been hits. The tofu dishes are especially good – we never knew tofu could taste this amazing! The eggplant recipes are also standouts. While some recipes need special ingredients, most use items we can find at our local grocery store. This cookbook has really upped our vegan cooking game!
Ottolenghi’s Flavor Masterpiece
We think this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their plant-based cooking game.
Pros
- Creative vegetable recipes
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Beautiful food photography
Cons
- Some ingredients might be hard to find
- Recipes can be time-consuming
- Not entirely vegan
We’ve been cooking up a storm with this amazing cookbook! The recipes are so inventive and tasty, we can’t get enough. Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage really know how to make veggies shine.
The book is split into three main parts: process, pairing, and produce. We love how it teaches us new cooking techniques to bring out the best flavors in our vegetables. The photos are stunning too – they make us want to try every single dish!
We’ve made a few recipes already, and they’ve all turned out great. The instructions are clear and easy to follow. Just keep in mind that some dishes might take a bit longer to prepare than your usual weeknight meal. Also, you might need to hunt for a few special ingredients. But trust us, it’s worth it for the amazing flavors you’ll create!
Unbelievably Vegan Cookbook
We think this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to spice up their plant-based meals with tasty and creative recipes.
Pros
- Diverse range of flavorful recipes
- Beautiful layout and photos
- Family-sized portions
Cons
- Some ingredients may be pricey
- Recipes can be time-consuming
- Not ideal for beginners
We tried out this cookbook and were blown away by the variety of dishes. From breakfast to dessert, there’s something for every meal. The recipes are packed with flavor, making it hard to believe they’re vegan. We loved the banana chocolate chip bread – it was a hit with both vegans and non-vegans alike!
The book itself is stunning. The photos make your mouth water, and the layout is easy to follow. We found the family-sized portions perfect for our household. No more doubling or tripling recipes to feed everyone.
While we enjoyed the recipes, some require pricier ingredients. The steps can also be a bit complex, so it might not be the best choice for beginners or those short on time. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, the results are worth it. We made the tofu hollandaise muffins for brunch, and they were a game-changer.
Buying Guide
When picking a vegan cookbook, we think there are a few key things to look for:
Recipe Variety
We like cookbooks with a good mix of dishes. Look for ones that cover:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Desserts
This gives lots of options for any meal or craving.
Skill Level
It’s smart to match the book to your cooking skills:
| Skill Level | Best For |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Simple recipes, common ingredients |
| Intermediate | New techniques, some specialty items |
| Advanced | Complex dishes, rare ingredients |
Ingredient Availability
We suggest checking if you can easily find the ingredients. Some books use hard-to-get items that might be tricky to track down.
Photos and Layout
Pictures help a lot! We like cookbooks with:
- Clear, colorful photos of finished dishes
- Step-by-step images for tricky parts
- Easy-to-read instructions
- Helpful tips and tricks
Special Diets
If you have other dietary needs, look for books that cover those too. Some focus on:
- Gluten-free
- Low-fat
- High-protein
- Raw vegan
Picking a book that fits your needs makes cooking more fun and less stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about vegan cookbooks. We’ve compiled answers to some common queries to help you find the perfect plant-based recipe collection.
What are some must-have vegan cookbooks for beginners?
For those new to vegan cooking, we recommend “The Oh She Glows Cookbook” by Angela Liddon. It’s packed with easy recipes and beautiful photos. Another great option is “Forks Over Knives: The Cookbook” by Del Sroufe. It offers simple, wholesome recipes that are perfect for beginners.
Which vegan cookbooks do seasoned plant-based chefs recommend?
Experienced vegan cooks often praise “Veganomicon” by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero. It’s a comprehensive guide with diverse recipes. “Vegan with a Vengeance” by Isa Chandra Moskowitz is another favorite among skilled plant-based chefs.
What are the best vegan cookbooks for quick and easy meal prep?
For fast vegan meals, we suggest “Vegan in 7” by Rita Serano. It uses just 7 ingredients per recipe. “Vegan 101” by Heather Bell and Jenny Engel is also great for quick recipes. It offers simple, tasty meals that can be made in no time.
Are there any vegan cookbooks that focus on budget-friendly recipes?
Yes! “Plant-Based on a Budget” by Toni Okamoto is perfect for cost-conscious cooks. It has affordable recipes and money-saving tips. “Vegan on the Cheap” by Robin Robertson is another good choice for budget-friendly vegan meals.
Can you suggest some vegan cookbooks that feature international cuisine?
For global flavors, try “Vegan: The Cookbook” by Jean-Christian Jury. It has recipes from over 150 countries. “Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen” by Richa Hingle is great for authentic Indian vegan dishes.
What are the most recent award-winning vegan cookbooks?
Some recent standouts include “East: 120 Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes” by Meera Sodha. It won a James Beard Award in 2020. “The Korean Vegan Cookbook” by Joanne Lee Molinaro also received high praise and awards in 2021.