Embracing a plant-based diet is a smart choice that offers incredible health benefits and reduces the environmental impact of consuming animal products.

For those new to the vegan lifestyle, the world of animal-free cooking may seem daunting. A beginner-friendly vegan recipe book can make the transition easier, with simple yet delicious recipes to convince anyone of the joys of vegan cooking.

The right vegan cookbook for beginners should be a reliable guide that introduces the fundamentals of vegan ingredients, kitchen tools, and cooking techniques. Clear instructions and practical tips are essential to help us understand the unique aspects of vegan cuisine.

Best vegan recipe books for beginners

These beginner-friendly cookbooks are designed to ease the transition. They offer accessible but creative recipes that can convince even the most sceptical carnivore of the joys of a vegan diet.

Simple and Delicious Vegan

This must-have guide makes vegan cooking a breeze, even for beginners.

Pros

• Accessible recipes that require common ingredients
• The layout is vibrant and makes navigating a joy
• Suits anyone with gluten intolerance looking for vegan options

Cons

• The print size may be small for some readers
• The hardcover format isn’t as flexible as a spiral-bound would be
• Some may prefer more recipes than the 100 provided

We’ve been eagerly flipping through “Simple and Delicious Vegan”, and it’s a delight. It’s packed with 100 foolproof plant-based recipes that are not only vegan but also gluten-free. Each dish is crafted meticulously by Michaela Vais, whose commitment to simple, flavoursome food truly shines.

The vibrant photographs make it tempting to try every recipe. They also serve as excellent guides for what the finished dish should look like. We were captivated by each page, eager to try our next vegan creation.

It’s not just the recipes that make this book stand out; it’s also the structure. The ingredients are set out clearly, making shopping a cinch. The instructions are concise, allowing us to cook with confidence. This book is a significant help for those starting their vegan journey.

The complete plant-based cookbook

This book is a brilliant starting point for anyone who is considering including more plant-based meals in their diet.

Pros

• Offers a wide variety of vegan food ideas
• Focuses on flexibility and adaptability
• Rooted in reliable research

Cons

• Heavy on text, which can be overwhelming
• Limited number of photographs
• Some recipes include sugar, which may not suit everyone

We’ve been exploring the principles of veganism these past 12 months, and this cookbook has become our loyal kitchen companion. Its depth of recipes inspires us to get creative with veggies and grains. We find that each recipe is meticulously tested, ensuring that even our first attempt at a dish from this book turns out delightfully well.

Sometimes cookbooks can feel like a mere collection of recipes, but not this one. We appreciate how it educates us on why each method works, although we did notice it leads to quite a text-heavy experience. Fewer images than expected make the visual experience less engaging, but the quality of the content more than makes up for it.

We did frown a bit upon seeing sugar popping up in recipes where we’d prefer not to use it. However, a bit of kitchen alchemy—swapping ingredients—keeps things in line with our health goals. Overall, navigating this tome reminds us of the joy of discovering new flavours, all the while feeling supported by the trustworthy advice of America’s Test Kitchen.

Vegan cookbook for newcomers

Let’s take a wander through the pages that’ll ease our journey into vegan cooking.

Pros

• Simple and clear instructions
• Offers a solid foundation in vegan principles
• The variety caters to different tastes

Cons

• Lacks nutritional information for the recipes
• No photographs to guide presentation
• Experienced vegan eaters might find the recipes too basic

Embracing a vegan lifestyle can feel daunting, but with the right guide, it’s a breeze. Our latest find simplifies the transition. We marveled at the beginner-friendly language.

Recipes yield satisfying flavours without complex cooking techniques. We whipped up several meals and enjoyed every single one.

However, it’s a bit of a puzzle trying to figure out the nutritional content, as it’s missing from the recipes. We hope future editions might remedy this.

Without pictures, plating is left to our imagination. That’s not all bad; we get to flex our creative muscles!

Veteran vegans might flip through and find it’s all familiar territory. But for us newbies, it’s like a trusty compass in unfamiliar lands.

With a wide array of choices, we’ll never get bored. Our taste buds are in for a diverse journey, from savoury soups to sweet treats.

We appreciate how it distils veganism into digestible nuggets of knowledge, perfect for our curious minds. Our adventure into veganism feels less like a leap and more like a gentle stroll.

Vegan for Everybody

We think you’ll adore this book for its clarity and ease of use, especially if you’re new to vegan cooking.

Pros

• Every dish includes a photo, which helps guide your cooking
• The recipes are thoroughly researched, ensuring great results
• Ingredients used are easily accessible, even for novices

Cons

• Some may find the recipes less adventurous
• The book is quite substantial, which might be intimidating at first
• A few international readers have noted difficulty finding certain ingredients

We’ve been cooking up a storm with “Vegan for Everybody” and have fallen for the simplicity it brings to plant-based diets. Starting with breakfast right through to dinner, the dishes are beautifully uncomplicated. The photographs are a terrific plus, making it all feel approachable.

Navigating veganism can seem overwhelming, but not with this guide. The recipes have been foolproof for us, and it’s refreshing not to scour town for obscure components. It’s the details we appreciate, such as the clearly explained techniques and down-to-earth language.

One thing’s for certain, the quality of your meals will soar after trying these recipes. Granted, some of us crave bolder flavours, which might mean tweaking dishes here and there. But for those who cherish practical, reliable advice in the kitchen, this book is a gem.

High-Protein Plant-Based Diet for Beginners

Pros

• Packed with nourishing and easy-to-prepare meals
• Offers practical tips for adopting a plant-based lifestyle
• Includes helpful visuals like infographics and photos

Cons

• Not all recipes are accompanied by photos
• Measurements aren’t in metric units, which can be tricky for UK and European buyers
• Requires a gradual shift for those not ready to overhaul their pantry

As an avid gym goer, the prospect of limiting our protein options was a concern when transitioning to plant-free until trying this cookbook for vegans. We appreciate how the book simplifies the plant-based approach to protein, ensuring we’re not overwhelmed as beginners.

The wealth of quick recipes has been a lifesaver. Whether it’s a rushed morning breakfast or a mid-week dinner crisis, we’ve found something that fits perfectly into our hectic schedule. It turns out that a high-protein, plant-based diet can indeed be quick and easy.

Despite being filled to the brim with good advice and straightforward recipes, we noticed not every dish is presented with an image. For visual cookers like us, it can be a bit of a letdown. 

Transitioning to plant-based eating has never looked so doable. The additional resources like shopping lists and meal preps included are incredibly practical. We’ve confidently embarked on this healthy journey; honestly, this book has been key in demystifying plant-based cooking.

Buying guide

Understanding your needs

Start by identifying what you’re looking for in a vegan recipe book. Consider your skill level and the kind of dishes you enjoy. Are you looking for quick and easy meals or more elaborate recipes? Keep these questions in mind:

• Cooking time: Look for books that fit into your schedule.
• Recipe variety: Ensure a range of dishes, from breakfast to desserts.
• Nutritional information: If you’re health-conscious, opt for books that include this.

Focus on the layout

A clear and well-structured layout is crucial. Here’s what we should look for:

• Ease of reading: Recipes should be simple to follow.
• Photography: High-quality images can inspire and guide us.
• Index: It’s important for the book to have a well-organised index for ease of use.

Features to consider

When perusing options, keep an eye out for these features:

• Ingredient availability: Make sure the recipes don’t constantly require hard-to-find ingredients.
• Adaptability: Books that offer variations of the recipes can be very useful.
• Instructional content: Sometimes, a book offers tutorials or tips, which can benefit beginners.

Frequently asked questions

We know you have questions, and we’re here to help guide you through the basics of beginning your vegan cooking journey. Let’s get started!

How can beginners start cooking vegan meals?

We’ve gathered the best starting points for those new to vegan cooking. Here’s what we suggest to get you on the path:

• Begin with familiar recipes. We recommend starting with dishes you already enjoy and know how to make. For example, pasta, stir-fries, or soups. Then, swap out non-vegan ingredients for plant-based alternatives.
• Stock a vegan pantry. Ensure your kitchen is equipped with vegan staples such as legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, and various spices to add flavour to your meals.
• Follow simple recipes. Stick to recipes with fewer ingredients and simple instructions. Recipe books designed for beginners usually contain such recipes to encourage easy, stress-free cooking.