Although I’ve been a vegetarian since I was a teenager, nearly two years ago I finally gave up eggs and dairy. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. A plant-based diet is kinder to the planet, animals, and your body. If you, or someone on your gift list, is planning to try to make the switch to a plant-based diet for the new year, these cookbooks might help.
But I Could Never Go Vegan! – This book has beautiful pictures, and delicious vegan recipes that address tons of potential excuses people give for why they can’t eat a plant-based diet. I just made a corn chowder from this book that was so good that I already bought the ingredients to make it again. I think I might need to try Kristy Turner’s follow-up, But My Family Would Never Eat Vegan! next.
Smith & Daughters – After going to the Smith & Daughters restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, I knew I’d be ordering this book as soon as I got home. The head chef and co-author of this cookbook is not herself vegan, but she makes amazing plant-based food that even omnivores can get excited about. They have a deli, too, which I just discovered came out with its own cookbook a few months ago, Smith & Deli-cious.
Thug Kitchen – The irreverent tone of Thug Kitchen isn’t for everyone, but if tons of swearing doesn’t bother you, you’ll get lots of accessible, simplified recipes that would be great for a beginner in the kitchen. No intimidating techniques or tough-to-find ingredients here.
Chickpea Magazine – Technically this isn’t a cookbook, but hear me out. After one of their gorgeous covers caught my eye in the magazine section of a bookstore, I asked for (and got!) a subscription to this magazine last year. Each of the quarterly magazines has recipes and articles, accompanied by stunning photos and hand-lettered text. I can confirm that a yearly subscription is a great gift, and there’s even digital issues if the international shipping is too expensive.
The Vegan Slow Cooker – I know Instant Pots are the trendy appliance these days, but I’m still loyal to my slow cooker. I love that I can start something cooking early in the day, leave, and come home to a ready-to-eat meal. I also have Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker, but the same author wrote Fresh from the Vegan Slow Cooker, which I expect is probably similar. This might not be the most beautiful book picture-wise, but it is really practical!
Vegan Comfort Food – This isn’t actually a book that I have, but based on the reviews, now I totally want it. Eating vegan doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite comfort foods. From mac-and-cheese to cinnamon rolls, this book is proof that plant-based food can be just as indulgent as you want to make it.
Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen – If you’re a vegan fan of Indian food, get this book already! There are so many recipes in here that I’m dying to try, from dals and curries to fritters and naan.
