The best vegan cookbooks: cooking just got exciting again

It's not all about carrot sticks and dry potatoes - grab yourself a vegan cookbook and open up your kitchen to a wealth of new flavours!

Vegan healthy superfood bowls

by William Austin-Lobley |
Updated on

Meat-free and plant-based diets are on the rise, with current estimates suggesting that seven percent of the British population identify as vegan, and twice that as vegetarian. The reasons for people switching away from meat to these alternative diets are myriad; each person will have their own motives, thoughts and intentions rooted in health, wellbeing, ethics, environmental concerns and just plain personal preference.

But we’re not here to dive into social theory. We’re here to tell you, whether you’re a dedicated vegan or vegetarian, a conscious flexitarian or just someone looking to try something a little different, a vegan cookbook is going to bring new life to your cooking.

Why is this the case? Because eating a plant-based meal isn’t about piling up the boring old broccoli and rice – it’s about experimenting with new bold flavours, spices, ingredients and textures to open up a whole new dining and eating experience – plainly, eating vegan is fun!

No more jibber jabber - let’s get straight into it. We’ve had a look around and decided that vegan cookbooks below are the best on the market. Whichever you choose, you’re in for a culinary delight.

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What's the best vegan cook book?

Bosh!1 of 10

Bosh!

This bestseller, from the social media sensation Bosh!, features over 140 vegan recipes that are not only simple to make, thanks to the easy to follow instructions, but also truly delicious. Includes breakfasts, lunches, dinners, party meals and desserts. Highlights: Ultimate Chili and The Big Bosh! Burger.

Bish Bash Bosh!2 of 10

Bish Bash Bosh!

The follow up to the original Bosh! recipe book, this excellent cookbook adds some twists on well-loved vegan classics, introduces some lesser known meals inspired by the Far East and has a dedicated section to Christmas feasts. There are also Bosh! Hacks, which give you loads of small hints and tips for eating vegan without sacrificing your favourite flavours. Highlights: Vietnamese Sticky Tofu and Sweet Potato Tikka Masala.

Dirty Vegan3 of 10

Dirty Vegan

Former Dirty Sanchez member Matt Pritchard is now an endurance athlete who undertakes physical tests in the name of charity – and he does it all on a vegan diet. In this cookbook there are over 80 recipes designed to meet all of the nutritional requirements for specific groups and activities, including teens, OAPs, and rugby players. Highlights: Hangover Smoothie with Laverbread 'Oysters' and Mexican Soup, Avocado Salsa and Tortilla Chips.

Vegan One Pound Meals4 of 10

Vegan One Pound Meals

In this book, Miguel Barclay busts the myth that veganism is an expensive lifestyle choice. Each recipe, of which there are over 85, guides you through the process of creating delicious and exciting healthy vegan meals, costing less than £1 per person. Highlights: Vegan Sausage Rolls and Sticky Aubergine Bao.

The Complete Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook5 of 10

The Complete Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook

Pressure cookers are a fantastic way of speeding up slow-cooked meals, and The Complete Vegan Instant Pot Cookbook shows that you can still enjoy these wholesome and delicious meals without the meaty content. In the 101 recipes of this book, you won't find a single processed ingredient. Highlights: Ginger Beet Hummus and Smokey Butternut Lentils.

Happy Vegan6 of 10

Happy Vegan

Ferne Cotton has released this book with the honest intention of making vegan food that anybody from the dedicated vegan or occasional meat abstainer can enjoy. The cookbook is full of easy-to-make recipes for every occasion, including quick makes and party feasts. Highlights: No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies and Tomato, Pesto and Lentil Baked Peppers.

Leon Fast Vegan7 of 10

Leon Fast Vegan

This cookbook from Leon is brimming with 200 recipes. The recipes are influenced by traditional and world-cuisine fusions and offer a huge range of choice that'll keep you cooking for many, many hours. Highlights: Chili Con Jackfruit, Banana Breakfast Loaf and Coconut Bacon.

Vegan Treats8 of 10

Vegan Treats

Veganism is a healthy lifestyle choice. But that doesn't mean it's all greens and fruit. As Vegan Treats proves, sometimes it can get really, really indulgent. These vegan indulgences will satiate your sweet-tooth cravings and will help you avoid processed, expensive snacks and desserts. Highlights: Blueberry 'Cheesecake' Slices and Sticky Date Slices.

The Naughtiest Vegan Cakes in Town9 of 10

The Naughtiest Vegan Cakes in Town

This book is dedicated to one thing – vegan cakes. It'll take you through how to get a decent bake while avoiding all the traditional animal-product ingredients before detailing a huge selection of delicious and impressive recipes (loads of which can be made gluten-free with a few suggested swaps). Highlights: Red Velvet Cupcakes and Chocolate Dipped Pretzels.

The Original Planted-Based Vegan Cookbook #202110 of 10
CREDIT: Amazon

The Original Planted-Based Vegan Cookbook #2021

Vegan cooking doesn't have to hard and this book proves that. It's easy to follow and a people pleaser with yummy, healthy choices. You don't even have to be vegan to enjoy the delicious meals you can create from this book. A vegan diet pays special attention to food and this cookbook reflects that. It also includes the 30 Day Vegan Challenge which is so fun to try if you're not sure if you can go fully vegan.Highlights: Low Calorie scones, Vegan Omelette and Vegan French toast.

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William Lobley is a Senior Content Writer and reviewer for WhatsTheBest, specialising in gaming, technology, and the outdoors. He also writes for Empire Online.

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