This isn't exactly going to come as a surprise, but all of the cookbooks are vegetarian. But if you're a meat eater, don't stop reading! You don't have to commit to a 100% vegetarian or vegan lifestyle to enjoy these recipes (although I can promise you, you won't regret it if you do).
1. MOB Veggie- Ben Lebus
The more I learn about MOB, the more I love them. It started off with one guy wanting to help young people cook delicious dishes cheaply, and it's grown so much since then. This book has helped me to experiment with new flavours at university without blowing all my weekly food budget on expensive ingredients. I love the fact that every recipe has a song associated with it too- it shows how much thought has gone into every single dish.
Favourite recipe- Veggie Nasi Goreng
This is in the brunch section of the book, but I always make it for dinner and it's become a firm family favourite. Make sure you undercook the rice slightly when you boil it so it doesn't get mushy when you fry it, and don't stir it too often so it can get crispy. Swap out the vegetable oil for sesame oil if you have it for extra flavour. If you're vegan, simply leave out the eggs.
2. Deliciously Ella- Ella Woodward
This book is completely vegan and gluten-free, so there's recipes in here for everyone. This cook book helps me to eat healthier too, because the recipes are jam-packed with fruit, veg and filling grains that will keep you feeling full right up until the next meal.
Favourite recipe- Cinnamon Pecan Granola
There's something special about pouring yourself a bowl of cereal in the morning (or evening- I'm not judging) knowing that you've made it yourself. It's one of the first recipes I made completely plastic-free whilst at university, because I could get all of the dried ingredients at my local zero-waste shop. I have to admit, sometimes I do add in some dark chocolate, which probably breaks Ella's refined sugar rules, but it's so tasty I can't resist.
3. The I Hate Tofu Cookbook- Tucker Shaw
I avoided tofu like the plague before I got this book, but it's started to change my views towards what many see as a tasteless, squishy block. But it's only that if you let it be, and as soon as you have a go at cooking with this recipe book, you'll realise just how versatile (and tasty) tofu is.
Favourite recipe- Mac & Cheese
This recipe showed me that macaroni cheese can be tasty without the cheese being the star of the show, and it's inspired me to try out more recipes for mac & cheese that aren't so heavy on the dairy. I'm a huge fan of scrambled egg, so I'm going to try out the tofu scramble next.
4. Gino's Veg Italia- Gino D'Acampo
I got given this book when I first went veggie, and it opened my eyes to how much you can make when you make vegetables the star of the show. I try and base the recipes I make as to which veg is in season at the time, so the recipes taste even better. If you have the space, have a go at growing some vegetables yourself like Gino suggests, to make the meals even more satisfying.
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Favourite recipe- Butternut squash carbonara
This recipe is definitely a treat, because the smug feeling/ health factor of using butternut squash instead of bacon is counteracted by the amount of butter and oil the squash is fried in (don't say I didn't warn you). But if you need a recipe to show someone that you don't need meat for a meal to be tasty, this is the one. Make sure you use vegetarian hard cheese, because Parmesan is made with calf rennet. If you can't get hold of butternut squash, you could use sweet potato or pumpkin instead.
5. The Hungry Student Vegetarian Cookbook- Spruce
I've saved this one until last because it's my all-time favourite. Ignore the word student if you're not one because this recipe book is great for anyone. I love the fact there's a number system to show how affordable each recipe is, because it shows how much more you can get for your money if you cook at home rather than buying ready meals.
Favourite recipe- Cheesy Lentil & Vegetable Pie
Carrots, baked beans and red lentils may not sound like the most appetising combo, but trust me, it works. I would recommend using low sugar baked beans like the recipe says because it is quite sweet if you don't. It's really easy to make vegan (just don't top the mashed potato with cheese) and I normally do it without, because it's still very tasty. Serve alongside whatever green veg is in season for a delicious, comforting meal.
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