There’s never been a better moment to go plant-powered than now, with record numbers expected to participate in Veganuary.
While ‘Veganuary’ may be one of the more awkward terms in the contemporary healthy eating vernacular, its principle – a month of eating a plant-based diet – is valid.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan or experimenting during Veganuary, here are eight terrific veg-centric cookbooks to help you out.
1. The Vegan Roasting Tin by Katy Beskow
Not great in the kitchen? Vegan blogger-turned-author Katy Beskow created this no-fuss collection for people like you.
The Vegan Roasting Tin is jam-packed with family-friendly alternatives and is all about simplifying cooking processes.
It is designed to cut down the time you spend in the kitchen by essentially letting your oven do all the work.
2. East by Meera Sodha
Celebrated home cook Meera Sodha provides vegan and vegetarian dishes inspired by the vast continent of Asia. Vegans frequently look to Asia for inspiration, as many Asian recipes are already plant-based. Nonetheless, East is a really contemporary approach to everyday cuisine, not just a compilation of old favourites.
There is an egg section that will be overlooked, but the quality here is so good that it is more than forgivable.
3. Vegan Fakeaway by Katy Bescow
We all know there’s nothing better than a takeaway on a Friday night, but engaging in such a weekly indulgence might put a strain on our wallets.
Fortunately, this handy book includes 70 vegan takeaway favourites in a variety of cuisines, including American, Chinese, Indian, Italian, and Middle Eastern.
4. The Happy Pear Vegan Cooking for Everyone by David Flynn
If you’re new to cooking, David Flynn’s cookbook is a terrific place to start.
It takes pride in easy-to-follow recipes, such as fluffy coconut granola for in the morning, homemade vegan pizza for lunch and creamy broccoli pie.
5. Flavour by Yotam Ottolenghi
We’re sure you have a good idea of what you’re getting yourself into with this one – it is an Ottolenghi after all.
Lists of ingredients the length of your leg? Tick.
But if that doesn’t bother you, you’ll be heavily rewarded.
Highlights include oyster mushroom tacos with all the trimmings, rainbow chard with tomatoes and green olives, cardamom tofu with lime greens, and a mushroom ragu.
6. The Korean Vegan Cookbook by Joanne Lee Molinaro
Joanne Lee Molinaro, a vegan author, blogger and lawyer, provides more than 80 plant-based dishes in her magnificent debut cookbook. Molinaro’s recipes span from childhood favourites like Jjajangmyun (rich black bean noodles) to deeply personal dishes like the chocolate sweet potato cake, which is a tribute to the two foods that saved her mother’s life.
This one is big on flavour and comfort.
7. One: Pot, Pan, Planet by Anna Jones
Anna Jones has long been a go-to author for vegans in the UK, and the collective cheer that erupted throughout the country when it was revealed that her newest book will focus on one-pot meals was positively overwhelming.
These are recipes that just work, so you can try one when you’re short on time and hardly paying attention and yet end up with something delicious.
Unexpected pairings exist in the book, but without the time commitment you would expect: try a carrot soup with tahini and rosemary, or a miso and caramelised banana rice pudding, for example.
8. The Whole Vegetable by Sophie Gordon
In this cookbook, over 130 inventive, tasty, and environmentally responsible dishes are included, with vegetables (and fruit) serving as the main attraction rather than an afterthought.
What makes this vegan recipe book distinct from other vegan cookbooks is that it teaches you how to make use of those often-discarded bits of fruit and vegetables, such as leaves, stalks, tops, blossoms, seeds, and peelings.
Here’s to feeling rather smug about lowering your contribution to the food waste problem – and not having to take your compost out as often. And all whilst eating some delicious food.
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