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(Last Updated On: August 18, 2023)Embarking on a vegan journey can be daunting, but choosing the right cookbook is a great way to ease your way into this lifestyle. From beginner-friendly guides to gourmet meals, there is a vegan cookbook for everyone.
Some cookbooks emphasize quick and easy recipes, while others focus on sophisticated dishes for special occasions or adventurous cooks. As you explore the world of vegan cookbooks, remember that the best one is the one that resonates with you and fits seamlessly in your life, as well as the lives of your loved ones. Happy cooking!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall Vegan Cookbook
Plant Over Processed: 75 Simple & Delicious Plant-Based Recipes
Best Quick and Easy Vegan Cookbook
Epic Vegan Quick and Easy: Simple One-Pan Recipes
Best “Cooking for Two” Vegan Cookbook
Vegan Slow Cooking for Two
Best Dessert Vegan Cookbook
Sweet Vegan Treats: 90 Recipes for Cookies, Brownies, Cakes, and Tarts
Best Overall Vegan Cookbook
Plant Over Processed: 75 Simple & Delicious Plant-Based Recipes
If you’re new to plant-based eating, Plant Over Processed is the perfect introduction. The book provides a great overview of the benefits of plant-based eating and offers 75 simple and delicious recipes, with minimal ingredients, that are easy to follow.
The recipes in Plant Over Processed are diverse and cater to all tastes. From smoothies to soups and salads to snacks, there’s something for everyone. One downside is that some of the recipes may require specialty ingredients that are not readily available in all areas.
Best Quick and Easy Vegan Cookbook
Epic Vegan Quick and Easy: Simple One-Pot Recipes
If you’re looking for a vegan cookbook that offers quick and easy recipes with minimal prep time, then Epic Vegan Quick and Easy is definitely worth considering. The recipes are straightforward and easy to follow, with most taking 30 minutes or less to make.
The book also offers tips for substitutions and variations, so you can tailor the recipes to your preferences. Cleanup is a breeze with one-pot and one-pan recipes, which is always an added bonus!
Best “Cooking for Two” Vegan Cookbook
Vegan Cooking for Two
Dramatically reduce your kitchen waste by trying Cooking for Two! This cookbook provides a wide range of vegan recipes, from breakfast to dessert. The book is also beautifully illustrated, making it fun to read and cook from.
With over 200 recipes, you’ll find that many include ingredients that you’d find in your pantry or are easily accessible at the store. Over 140 recipes are ready in 45 minutes or less, and use 10 or fewer ingredients!
Best Vegan Dessert Cookbook
Sweet Vegan Treats: 90 Recipes for Cookies, Brownies, Cakes, and Tarts
Sweet Vegan Treats includes it all: recipes for cookies, brownies, cakes, and tarts, so you’re sure to find something that satisfies your sweet tooth. The recipes are easy to follow and don’t require any hard-to-find ingredients, so you can get started right away.
One of the best things about this cookbook is the beautiful illustrations. Each recipe includes a photo that makes the treats look even more tempting. However, the book doesn’t include any nutritional information for the recipes, so if you’re watching your calorie intake, you’ll need to do some extra research.
Still looking for more options?
Keep reading for our Runners-Up
(There are 9 of them, because it was so close!)
RUnner-UP
The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook
The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook is a comprehensive vegan cookbook with flexible recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences. The recipes in the cookbook are well-written and easy to follow, with clear instructions and helpful tips.
With over 3,000 reviews on Amazon, we think this is a great runner-up!
RUnner-UP
Eat Plants, B*tch: 91 Vegan Recipes That Will Blow Your Meat-Loving Mind
Packed with flavorful and easy-to-follow recipes, Eat Plants, B*tch is definitely worth checking out! The recipes are creative and delicious, with a good mix of comfort food and healthier options. The book is well designed and easy to use, too!
Runner-Up
The Unbelievably Vegan Cookbook includes a wide range of recipes, from breakfast to dessert. Some of the standout recipes include the Vegan Mac and Cheese, the Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas, and the Chocolate Chip Cookies. The author, Charity Morgan, also includes tips and tricks for making the most out of your plant-based diet.
Runner-Up
The Korean Vegan Cookbook
The Korean Vegan Cookbook is a great addition to any vegan cookbook collection. The author, Joanne Lee Molinaro, shares her personal stories and reflections on growing up Korean-American and how her mother’s cooking inspired her to create vegan versions of classic Korean dishes.
The cookbook is beautifully illustrated with stunning food photography that will make your mouth water. The recipes are easy to follow and make, even for those who are new to Korean cooking. However, some ingredients may be hard to find in certain areas, so you may need to do some searching or substitutions.
Runner-Up
HealthyGirl Kitchen: 100+ Plant-Based Recipes to Live Your Healthiest Life
This cookbook is perfect for those who are new to the plant-based lifestyle or for those who are looking for new and exciting recipes to add to their repertoire. The recipes are easy to follow and the ingredient lists are not overly complicated, making it easy to whip up a delicious and healthy meal in no time.
Runner-Up
Super Easy Plant-Based Cookbook
If you’re looking for a cookbook that can help you prepare healthy plant-based meals quickly and easily, then the Super Easy Plant-Based Cookbook is definitely worth checking out. The recipes are simple, tasty, and perfect for busy people who want to eat healthily without spending hours in the kitchen.
However, if you’re looking for more complex or gourmet-style meals, or if you prefer cookbooks with lots of photos, then this might not be the best choice for you.
Runner-Up
The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook for Beginners
If you’re looking for a comprehensive vegan cookbook that’s packed with delicious and nutritious recipes, then The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook for Beginners is an excellent choice. With 1500 easy-to-follow recipes and a 30-day meal plan, this cookbook is perfect for anyone who’s new to the world of plant-based eating.
One downside of The Complete Plant-Based Cookbook for Beginners is that some of the recipes require a lot of ingredients. This can be overwhelming for beginners who are just starting to experiment with plant-based cooking.
Runner-UP
Vegan Slow Cooking for Two or Just for You
This cookbook is perfect for vegans who love using their slow cookers to prepare tasty meals. With over 100 recipes to choose from, you’ll never run out of ideas. The book is also great for small households that want to make the most of their slow cookers.
One of the best things about this cookbook is that the instructions are easy to follow. Even if you’re new to slow cooking, you’ll be able to prepare delicious meals without any trouble. The book also includes helpful tips that will make your slow cooking experience even more enjoyable.
Runner-Up
N’ice Cream: 80+ Recipes for Healthy Homemade Vegan Ice Creams
N’ice Cream: 80+ Recipes for Healthy Homemade Vegan Ice Creams: A Cookbook is a great cookbook for anyone who loves to experiment with homemade vegan ice creams. The cookbook offers a wide variety of recipes, and the recipes are easy to follow and versatile, allowing you to make ice cream with or without a machine, and there are even ice pop recipes, too!
Why Every Kitchen Needs A Vegan Cookbook
A vegan cookbook provides you with an assortment of easy-to-follow recipes. Most vegan cookbooks are designed to accommodate all skill levels, from novice home cooks to experienced chefs. The clear instructions and straightforward techniques ensure that your plant-based dishes come out perfect every time.
Nutritious Recipes
Vegan cookbooks offer a wealth of healthy, nutritious options that promote overall wellness and a balanced diet. These recipes primarily focus on whole foods, plant-based ingredients, and nutritionally dense superfoods, making it easy for you to integrate these dishes into your daily meals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Simple Ingredients
Vegan cookbooks often feature recipes with simple, easy-to-find ingredients. The emphasis on whole foods and plant-based components means that you can readily source items from your local grocery stores, farmers markets, or even your own garden. This accessibility ensures that creating delicious vegan meals is both convenient and cost-effective.
Diverse Flavors
With a vegan cookbook in hand, you can explore an impressive array of flavors, textures, and cuisines from around the world. This diversity in recipes not only helps keep your meals interesting and flavorful but also ensures that you never run out of ideas for exciting plant-based dishes.
Beautiful Visuals
Many vegan cookbooks include stunning photography and illustrations that can inspire and entice you to try new recipes. These visuals not only showcase the deliciousness and beauty of plant-based meals but also serve as a helpful reference for how your completed dish should look.
Vegan Cookbook Features for Different Skill Levels
Beginner Vegan Cookbooks
For those just starting out on their plant-based journey, beginner-friendly vegan cookbooks are essential. These cookbooks focus on simple recipes with easy-to-follow instructions, making the transition to vegan cooking a breeze. “HealthyGirl Kitchen: 100+ Plant-Based Recipes to Live Your Healthiest Life” one such example, offering guidance and recipes for newcomers to the vegan lifestyle. Key highlights of beginner vegan cookbooks include:
- Clear, step-by-step instructions
- Basic techniques and ingredients
- Tips for grocery shopping and meal planning
Intermediate Vegan Cookbooks
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to broaden your horizons. Intermediate vegan cookbooks delve deeper into creative plant-based cuisine, providing more complex recipes and diverse ingredients. “The Korean Vegan Cookbook” is a great example of an intermediate-level cookbook, featuring flavorful dishes for weeknight meals. Notable aspects of intermediate vegan cookbooks include:
- A wider variety of recipes and ingredients
- More emphasis on unique flavors and textures
- Tips for adapting non-vegan recipes
Advanced Vegan Cookbooks
For skilled vegan chefs looking to elevate their plant-based cooking, advanced vegan cookbooks offer the perfect challenge. Filled with intricate and gourmet recipes, these cookbooks are a treasure trove for devoted foodies. “Fake Meat: Real Food for Vegan Appetites” by Isa Chandra Moskowitz showcases advanced techniques in cooking plant-based “meats” and other innovative dishes. Key components of advanced vegan cookbooks are:
- High-level culinary techniques
- Artful presentation and plating ideas
- Emphasis on sustainability and gourmet ingredients
Digital Vs. Physical Vegan Cookbooks
Digital Cookbooks
With digital cookbooks, you can access recipes anywhere you have an internet connection or save them on your devices for offline use. This means you can easily search for ingredients, cuisines, and cooking techniques on the go. Plus, e-books are often less expensive than their physical counterparts.
However, a digital cookbook may not provide the same tactile experience as flipping through the pages of a physical book. Screens may also strain your eyes when reading for long periods or still be difficult to read in bright sunlight.
Physical Cookbooks
Physical vegan cookbooks offer a traditional and more sensory experience. They often feature beautiful photography and quality printing, making them a great addition to your kitchen or coffee table. Moreover, they can be shared with friends and family, or even passed down through generations.
On the downside, physical cookbooks can take up space on your shelves and may not be as portable as digital versions. Additionally, they are typically more expensive and may require shipping costs.
To decide which format suits you best, consider where and how you’ll be using your vegan cookbook. If you frequently cook and travel or value instant access, a digital version may be more convenient. However, if you appreciate the sensory experience of holding a book and enjoy browsing recipes leisurely, a physical cookbook might be a better fit for your kitchen.
Our Take
Embracing a vegan lifestyle can be both exciting and daunting. Your journey to discovering delicious plant-based meals will be enriched by exploring some of the best vegan cookbooks available. As you dive into these cookbooks, you’ll find that vegan recipes can be satisfying, mouthwatering, and diverse.
As you start trying out recipes from these cookbooks, don’t be afraid to experiment and make adjustments to suit your personal taste. This will not only improve your cooking skills but also make your vegan journey more enjoyable and rewarding. Remember, the world of vegan cooking is vast, and there is always room for creativity and innovation.