Vegetarian cookbooks have become increasingly popular as more people embrace plant-based diets. These books offer a wide range of recipes that focus on vegetables, grains, legumes, and other non-meat ingredients. They help home cooks create tasty and nutritious meals without using animal products.
Many vegetarian cookbooks also include information on nutrition, meal planning, and ingredient substitutions. This can be especially helpful for those new to vegetarian cooking or looking to expand their culinary skills. Some books focus on specific cuisines or types of dishes, while others offer a more general approach to vegetarian cooking.
When choosing a vegetarian cookbook, it’s important to consider your cooking skill level, the types of recipes you enjoy, and any dietary restrictions you may have. We looked at factors like recipe variety, ingredient accessibility, and clear instructions when selecting the best vegetarian cookbooks. We tested numerous recipes from various cookbooks to find the ones that consistently produce delicious meals and provide valuable cooking knowledge.
Best Vegetarian Cookbooks of All Time
We’ve gathered a list of the best vegetarian cookbooks ever written. These books offer tasty recipes and helpful tips for plant-based eating. They’re great for both new and experienced vegetarian cooks.
ATK Vegetarian Cookbook
We highly recommend this comprehensive vegetarian cookbook for its wide range of foolproof recipes and expert guidance.
Pros
- 700 diverse, well-tested recipes
- Clear, easy-to-follow instructions
- Beautiful food photography
Cons
- No nutritional information provided
- Large and heavy book
- Not all recipes have photos
This cookbook is a game-changer for vegetarians and veggie-curious cooks alike. We found the 700 recipes to be varied and exciting, covering everything from quick weeknight meals to fancy dinner party dishes. The instructions are crystal clear, making it easy for even novice cooks to achieve great results.
We love how the book explains the science behind cooking techniques. This helps us understand why certain methods work better than others. The tips and tricks sprinkled throughout have really upped our cooking game.
One thing to note is the book’s size. It’s pretty hefty, which makes it great for home use but not so portable. Also, while there are lots of beautiful photos, not every recipe has one. But don’t let that stop you – we’ve tried many dishes without pictures and they’ve all turned out fantastic.
ATK Plant-Based Cookbook
We think this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.
Pros
- Huge variety of recipes
- Flexible options for different diets
- Detailed instructions and tips
Cons
- Lots of text, fewer photos
- Some recipes are time-consuming
- May be overwhelming for beginners
The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook from America’s Test Kitchen is packed with 500 recipes. We love how it caters to different eating styles. Whether you’re fully vegan or just want to eat less meat, there’s something for everyone.
We tried several recipes and were impressed with the results. The flavors are bold and satisfying. One standout was a lentil shepherd’s pie that even our meat-eating friends enjoyed. The book also includes helpful tips on plant-based cooking techniques.
One thing to note is that this cookbook is text-heavy. If you prefer lots of photos with your recipes, you might find it lacking. Some dishes also take a while to make. But for those who love to cook, the extra effort is worth it. The detailed instructions help ensure success in the kitchen.
Love Real Food Cookbook
We highly recommend this vegetarian cookbook for its tasty, easy-to-make recipes and beautiful presentation.
Pros
- Delicious, feel-good recipes
- High-quality photos
- Great value for a hardcover book
Cons
- Some ingredients may be hard to find
- Limited vegan options
- Recipes may take some time to prepare
This cookbook has become one of our go-to resources for vegetarian meals. The recipes are flavorful and satisfying, making it easy to embrace a plant-based diet. We’ve tried several dishes, and they’ve all turned out great. The granola and soups are particular standouts.
The book itself is well-made, with a sturdy hardcover and beautiful, full-color photos. We were surprised by the high quality at such an affordable price point. It’s a pleasure to flip through and use in the kitchen.
We found the instructions clear and easy to follow, even for less experienced cooks. The difficulty level ranges from beginner to intermediate, so there’s something for everyone. While some recipes take a bit of time to prepare, the results are worth it. The focus on whole, natural ingredients makes us feel good about what we’re eating.
Ottolenghi Flavor
We think this cookbook is a must-have for vegetable lovers looking to expand their culinary horizons.
Pros
- Creative vegetable-focused recipes
- Clear instructions and gorgeous photos
- Explores innovative flavor combinations
Cons
- Some ingredients may be hard to find
- Recipes can be time-consuming
- Not strictly vegetarian (contains some fish)
Yotam Ottolenghi and Ixta Belfrage have outdone themselves with this latest cookbook. We’ve tried several recipes, and each one has been a hit at our dinner table. The book is split into three sections: process, pairing, and produce. This approach helps home cooks understand how to make vegetables shine.
The recipes are inventive and push boundaries. We loved the miso butter onions and the spicy mushroom lasagne. The flavors are bold and exciting. While some dishes take time to prepare, the results are worth the effort. The book also includes helpful tips on techniques and ingredient substitutions.
One thing to note is that not all recipes are strictly vegetarian. Some include fish sauce or other seafood-based ingredients. Also, a few recipes call for hard-to-find items. But don’t let that stop you. We found most dishes could be adapted using more common ingredients. Overall, this book has inspired us to look at vegetables in a whole new way.
Love and Lemons Cookbook
We think this cookbook is a must-have for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.
Pros
- Easy-to-follow recipes
- Beautiful food photography
- Flexible meal planning options
Cons
- Some ingredients may be hard to find
- Not all recipes are fully vegan
- Limited dessert options
We’ve been using this cookbook for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed by how simple yet tasty the recipes are. The book is packed with 125 plant-focused meals that are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. We love that many recipes offer make-ahead options, which saves us time during hectic days.
The photos in this book are stunning. Each recipe is accompanied by a full-page image that makes our mouths water. We find ourselves flipping through the pages just to admire the beautiful food styling. It’s not just eye candy, though – these pictures help us know what the finished dish should look like.
One of our favorite features is the 3-in-1 dinner sections. These give us three meal ideas using one main vegetable or pantry staple. It’s a smart way to reduce food waste and get more bang for our grocery buck. We’ve tried the zucchini snack cake, and it was a hit with even our pickiest eaters.
While most ingredients are easy to find, some recipes call for items that might not be in every grocery store. We’ve had to make a few substitutions here and there. Also, while the book is vegetarian, not all recipes are vegan. This might disappoint some readers looking for strictly plant-based options.
Blue Zones Cookbook
We highly recommend this cookbook for anyone looking to embrace a healthier, plant-based lifestyle inspired by the world’s longest-living cultures.
Pros
- Beautiful photographs and engaging stories
- Simple, easy-to-follow recipes
- Focuses on healthy, whole-food ingredients
Cons
- Some recipes use refined ingredients
- May require unfamiliar ingredients
- Limited options for certain dietary restrictions
The Blue Zones Kitchen is a treasure trove of plant-based recipes from the world’s healthiest regions. We were impressed by the stunning photographs that transport you to these longevity hotspots. The stories behind each recipe add depth and context, making this more than just a cookbook.
We tried several recipes and found them straightforward to make. The ingredients are mostly whole foods you can find at your local grocery store. We especially enjoyed the chickpea and lemon soup – it’s now a regular in our meal rotation. The flavors are simple yet satisfying.
While most recipes are health-focused, we noticed some use white flour or sugar. This might disappoint those looking for a strictly whole-food approach. Also, a few dishes call for ingredients that may be hard to find in some areas. Despite these small drawbacks, we think this cookbook offers great value. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to add more plant-based meals to their diet.
Forks Over Knives Cookbook
We recommend this cookbook for anyone looking to explore plant-based eating with its wide variety of simple, tasty recipes.
Pros
- Large selection of 300+ recipes
- Easy-to-follow instructions
- Focuses on whole food ingredients
Cons
- Limited photos of finished dishes
- Some ingredients may be unfamiliar
- Recipes can be time-consuming
This cookbook is packed with over 300 plant-based recipes that are both simple and delicious. We found the instructions clear and easy to follow, even for beginners in the kitchen. The focus on whole food ingredients makes it a great choice for those looking to improve their health through diet.
We tried several recipes and were impressed with the flavors. The Buffalo Cauliflower Bites were a hit at our last gathering, and the Lentil Shepherd’s Pie became an instant family favorite. The variety of options, from breakfast to dessert, means you’ll never get bored with your meals.
One drawback is the lack of photos for many recipes. While this allows for more recipes to be included, it can be hard to visualize the end result. Some ingredients might be new to those just starting out with plant-based cooking, which could require extra shopping trips. Prep time for some dishes can be lengthy, so it’s best to plan ahead. Despite these minor issues, we think this cookbook is a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring a healthier, plant-based lifestyle.
Love and Lemons Cookbook
We highly recommend this vibrant vegetarian cookbook for its diverse, flavorful recipes and user-friendly approach.
Pros
- Beautiful, eye-catching design
- Wide variety of plant-based recipes
- Easy-to-follow instructions
Cons
- Some ingredients may be hard to find
- Not exclusively vegan
- Large size may be cumbersome for small kitchens
The Love and Lemons Every Day cookbook is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. We were immediately drawn to its colorful pages and mouthwatering photos. With over 100 recipes, it offers plenty of options for every meal of the day.
We found the instructions clear and easy to follow, even for those of us who aren’t expert cooks. The zucchini, tofu, and black bean enchiladas were a hit at our dinner table. We were a bit unsure about making cashew cream, but it turned out to be surprisingly simple and tasty.
One thing we really liked was the versatility of the recipes. While the book is vegetarian, many dishes can be easily adapted for vegans or even meat-eaters. This makes it great for families with mixed dietary needs. The pizza dough recipe, for example, was a crowd-pleaser that could be topped to suit anyone’s preferences.
Buying Guide
When shopping for vegetarian cookbooks, we recommend considering a few key factors.
Skill Level
Pick a book that matches your cooking experience. Beginner books have simpler recipes, while advanced ones offer more complex dishes.
Recipe Variety
Look for cookbooks with a good mix of recipes. This keeps meals interesting and helps you try new foods.
Ingredient Availability
Check if the cookbook uses ingredients you can easily find in your area. Some may call for hard-to-get items.
Nutritional Information
Books with nutritional details for each recipe are helpful for tracking your diet.
Photos and Layout
Clear, appealing photos make cooking more enjoyable. An easy-to-read layout is also important.
Special Diets
If you follow a specific diet (like vegan or gluten-free), choose a book that caters to those needs.
Author Expertise
Pick books by authors with solid cooking backgrounds or nutrition expertise.
Here’s a quick checklist to use when choosing a vegetarian cookbook:
- Matches your cooking skill level
- Has a good variety of recipes
- Uses ingredients you can find
- Includes nutritional info
- Contains clear photos
- Has an easy-to-read layout
- Fits any special dietary needs
- Written by a knowledgeable author
By keeping these points in mind, you’ll be better equipped to find a vegetarian cookbook that suits your needs and helps you create delicious meat-free meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular vegetarian cookbooks cover a range of styles and skill levels. Many top-selling options focus on easy recipes for beginners, while others offer more advanced gourmet meals.
What are considered the best introductory vegetarian cookbooks for beginners?
“How to Cook Everything Vegetarian” by Mark Bittman is great for new cooks. It has simple recipes and helpful tips. “The Complete Vegetarian Cookbook” by America’s Test Kitchen is also good for beginners. It has clear instructions and photos.
Which vegetarian cookbooks are the all-time bestsellers?
“The Moosewood Cookbook” by Mollie Katzen is a classic bestseller. It’s been popular since the 1970s. “Plenty” by Yotam Ottolenghi is a more recent top seller. It has beautiful photos and creative recipes.
Are there any notable vegetarian cookbooks authored by Jamie Oliver?
Jamie Oliver wrote “Ultimate Veg” in 2020. It has over 100 veggie recipes. His book “VEG: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone” came out in 2019. Both focus on simple, tasty vegetarian cooking.
What was historically the first-ever published vegetarian cookbook?
“A Treatise on Vegetable Diet” by William Andrus Alcott came out in 1838. It’s seen as one of the first vegetarian cookbooks. The book had recipes and info on plant-based eating.
Have culinary experts like Ottolenghi published any dedicated vegetarian cookbooks?
Yotam Ottolenghi wrote “Plenty” in 2010. It’s a popular vegetarian cookbook. He also wrote “Plenty More” in 2014. Both books focus on creative veggie dishes with Middle Eastern flavors.
What size is most common among popular vegetarian cookbooks?
Many top vegetarian cookbooks are around 300-400 pages long. This gives space for lots of recipes and photos. Some shorter books focus on quick meals, while longer ones may cover more topics.