Delicious and Healthy Food Inspiration | Top Vegan Cookbooks You Should Own

One misconception about following a vegan diet is that we only eat boring and tasteless food such as lettuce and carrots, dubbed 'rabbit food'. True, our eating habits revolve around plants, however you would be surprised how many options there are when it comes to creating mouthwatering dishes that will leave you wanting more. Don't believe me? Simply head down to your local vegan counter or restaurant and you will see how much variety there is to choose from! From black bean burritos, to herb-filled falafels, to elaborate pasta dishes, vegan food is extremely palatable when prepared with gusto and love. As someone who has been plant-based for nearly two years, I can tell you the possibilities are truly endless. Some of you may know that I actually started off my plant-based lifestyle by eating 100% raw and switched back to cooked foods a few months later, so I've first-hand experienced all that plants have to offer, both in their raw and cooked form. I love coming across new vegan-friendly restaurants and recipes which I enjoy recreating myself as evidenced through my Instagram, hence I thought I would dedicate a post sharing my top vegan cookbooks, namely Vegan Everyday: 500 Delicious Recipes by Douglas McNish*, The Vegan Cook's Bible by Pat Crocker* and 350 Best Vegan Recipes by Deb Roussou*.

Vegan Everyday: 500 Delicious Recipes by Douglas McNish 
(576 pages, available on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com)

About the Author

Douglas McNish is a Canadian chef and instructor who discovered his love for cooking at a young age. After successfully completing the George Brown Culinary Chef Program, he went on to work with some of Toronto's top chefs in some of the most challenging environments. Despite his successful career, he realized he had to change his diet after feeling unhappy about his weight. First transitioning to vegetarianism and then veganism and seeing the weight gradually peel off, McNish knew he wanted to reflect his life-changing journey in his work. Today, he owns Doug's Public Kitchen in his hometown of Toronto, a vegan counter serving both cooked and raw dishes that incorporate fresh and local ingredients.

The Cookbook

Vegan Everyday is McNish's third published book. Featuring over 500 delicious vegan and gluten-free recipes ranging from breakfast to dessert, this is the perfect book for those lacking inspiration in the kitchen, whether you are already a dedicated vegan or you simply want to incorporate more plant foods into your life. Some of the dishes include African Spiced Tempeh Chili, Tomato and Spinach Ragout, Oven-Baked Spicy Risotto and Peach Cobbler. The book also showcases a handful of colourful dishes you will be dying to try and share with family and friends. Here are just a few of the recipes you can look forward to:

Açai Superfood Bowl / Chocolate Hazelnut Waffles with Island-Time Juice

Singapore Summer Rolls with Yellow Coconut Curry Sauce / Mini Quinoa Croquettes with Miso Tahini Sauce

Churros with Cinnamon Sugar with Easy Coconut Caramel / Silky Chocolate Mousse

The Vegan Cook's Bible by Pat Crocker
(383 pages, available on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com)

About the Author

Pat Crocker, although not vegan, was compelled to create a plant-based cookbook to show how rich and varied earth's bounty can be. As a culinary herbalist and creative food writer, she understands the intricacies of flavourful cooking and delivers a slew of healthy, palatable dishes. She is actively involved and contributes to the Herb Society of America, the International Herb Association, the International Association of Culinary Professionals, Cuisine Canada, the Ontario Culinary Historians and the Toronto Women's Culinary Network. She is also the proud owner, alongside her husband, of an art gallery in Neustadt, Ontario.

The Cookbook

The Vegan Cook's Bible features 250 original recipes that are innovative yet do not simply 'veganize' popular non-vegan dishes. You will find a range of dishes including appetizers, soups, salads, casseroles, baked vegetables, pasta, desserts and more. Recipes such as gingered carrot and turnip puree, pan-seared artichokes with pomegranate molasses and rice with red curry cauliflower will make you salivate at the idea. The book also includes 150 profiles of fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts and more along with their healing properties, uses and best ways to store and incorporate them into your cooking. Here is a handful of fun meals one must try:

Green Pea and Asparagus Curry / Leek, Kohlrabi, Garlic and Onion Tart

Bok Choy, Mushroom and Black Bean Stir-Fry / Udon Noodles with Tofu and Gingered Peanut Sauce

Pomegranate Smoothie and Mango Pineapple Mocktail / Open-Face Black Bean Tostadas

350 Best Vegan Recipes by Deb Roussou
(384 pages, available on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com)

About the Author

Deb Roussou is a food consultant, recipe developer and caterer with over 20 years of experience in the food industry. Her books have sold over one millions copies and are translated in many different languages. Inspired by her travels, her creations span many different cuisines, such as Indian, Greek, Asian and Mexican. She comes from a lineage of professional chefs, with her father being her biggest culinary idol. She enjoys sharing her recipes with friends and close family in California where she resides, and of course with anyone interested in trying something new.

The Cookbook

350 Best Vegan Recipes is an encyclopedia of delicious, easy-to-make meals including (but not limited to) starters, breads, main dishes made with beans, grains and pasta, chilis, without forgetting sauces, drinks, smoothies and sweets. From Garlic Naan, to Roasted Beet Tacos and Lemon Cucumber Tabbouleh, this selection of healthy recipes is guaranteed to have something that will please you and your loved ones. It is perfect to have on hand on days when you are feeling uninspired and want to spice up your day. See some of Roussou's creations below:

Greek Herbed Soy Feta in Olive Oil / Big Island Nori Rolls

Tempeh Mango Lettuce Cups with Chile-Garlic Dipping Sauce / French Herbed Strata

Desert Sunrise / Mexican Velvet Elvis / Sake Martini with Fresh Pomegranate and Ginger /
Mocha Cupcakes with Almond Icing and Pistachio Brittle

Do you own a vegan cookbook? What plant-based recipe would you like to try?

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*Disclaimer: Products were provided and reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. Affiliate links provided.