These are books to make your own international cuisine. Instead of buying expensive takeaways or ready-meals (often made with factory farmed ingredients), these books show you how to make the meals yourself at home. They use natural ingredients, so are kinder, more local and healthier. We live in a multicultural society, so these meals are enjoyed by all on three counts: first for ethnically diverse communities, but also for people that like plant-based foods (it’s easier to avoid ‘fake meat’ if you go international). And finally simply for taste: England’s favourite meal these days is apparently a curry! .
If you are on medication, check inserts as some foods like grapefruit and green veggies may be contra-indicated. Avoid nuts, seeds and nut/seed butters for young children.
Live with pets? Toxic foods to keep out of harm’s way include chocolate, garlic, onion, scallions, leeks, chives, shallots, grapes, raisins, nuts, fruit pits & seeds, avocado, salt, sugar, nutmeg, bread dough, mushrooms, green tomatoes, raw/green potatoes and xylitol (sweetener).
If recipes call for vegan butter, choose a brand that is free from palm oil.
European Vegan Recipe Books
- Vegan Recipes from France offers recipes for soups, terrines and salads, along with tarte tatin, gratin, omelettes, quiche, souffle, crepes, mousse au chocolate, madeleines and gateau.
- Vegan Recipes from Spain is by a professional chef. Recipes include romesco, gazpacho, ajo blanco, mushrooms with sherry, stuffed piquillo peppers, fried salad hearts, crispy veggies with orang alioli, paella, tortilla and sweet treats.
- Mindful Vegan Meals is a lovely book of simple recipes by a young women who recovered from an eating disorder, by embracing her Greek heritage and learning how to cook delicious meals. Not all the meals are Greek, but many are. All the classics are in here.
- Vegan Italiano is an English translation: crostini with marinated courgette, spaghetti with wild asparagus, cream of pumpkin & potato soup with chestnuts and cherry strudel. More gourmet? Try Veganissimo (arancini, artichoke cream with hazelnuts, seitan osso bucco, vegan cheeses, amaretti, pannacotta and tiramisù (or make your own pizza).
Tropical Vegan Recipe Books
- Rachel Ama’s Vegan Eats is inspired by the author’s Africa and Caribbean roots, though she grew up in London. Endorsed by Nigella, the recipes include cinnamon French toast with strawberries, chickpea sweet potato falafel, Caribbean fritters, plantain burger and carrot cake waffles with cashew frosting. Also read Caribbean Vegan (rummy & raisin ice-cream) and Caribbean Smoothies.
- La Vida Verde is by a woman who runs a catering company in California: enjoy fresh cheeses, arbol chiles with tomatillo, tortillas, jackfruit carnitas tacos and mushrooms in green mole. Other good books are Vegan Mexico, Vegan Tacos and
- Southern Vegan is for those who like finger-lickin’ Deep South food like chicken and pancakes, maple syrup and peanut butter pie. These 60 recipes offer plant-based versions. Another lovely book is Mississippi Vegan. Serve with sweet tea, y’all!
- Teff Love is a fun book on how to make little plates of Ethiopian food, which is mostly naturally vegan. You’ll also learn how to make injera, the bread that most of this food is served on, rather than plates. Afro-Vegan has recipes based on smashed potato, corn and okra, and other recipes include cocoa spice cake with ginger and roselle-rooibos drink.
Far East Vegan Recipe Books
- The Chinese Vegan Kitchen is a few years old (no pictures), but author Donna Klein is a Cordon Bleu trained chef. It’s divided by region (Canton, Hunan, Peking, Shanghai, Szechuan, Taiwan, Tibet). Or get a copy of The Veggie Chinese Takeaway Book, including tom yum soup, spring rolls, fried tofu, crispy noodles and sticky rice parcels.
- Japan offers simple light nourishing food that combines local veggies and fruits with rice, miso, soy sauce, sake, sweet wine mirin and stock dashi.
Eastern Vegan Recipe Books
- Vegan Recipes from the Middle East includes recipes from Iran, Armenia, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco and Turkey including spicy stuffed veggies, cool fragrant soups, preserves, pilafs, breads, pickles, relishes and pastries. You’ll also like Tahini & Turmeric.
- Jackfruit & Ginger offers 90 recipes inspired by India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and China. The author is a medical student at a top university, who missed her home’s recipes. Also read Vegan Street Food (by a former Masterchef finalist).
- Raika is a highly-reviewed book by a restauranteur in England. Also see Heavenly Vegan Dals & Curries (this Indian author is based in The Netherlands). Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen has been called one of the best Indian cookbooks here (across all diets). Here’s an easy recipe by the BOSH boys (use coconut milk that is free from monkey-harvesting):