Tired of beige plates? While having the odd cheat meal is no big deal, your diet should be rich in the vitamins and nutrients your body needs most. However, unless you’re a whiz in the kitchen, you may not know where to start. Luckily, there’s a simple answer. Getting some of the best healthy cookbooks will help you along the way. Here are 10 options.
1. Healthy Indian: Vegetarian by Chetna Makan
Love authentic Indian food and want to stay healthy? Written by Great British Bake Off 2014 semi-finalist, Chetna Makan, Healthy Indian: Vegetarian is what it says on the tin. The cookbook features 80 unique recipes for both vegetarians and plant-based eaters alike. Each recipe is easy-to-follow and has a minimal amount of ingredients. Ideal for beginners. Highlights include masala paneer and beetroot and sweet potato korma.
2. Bitter Honey by Letitia Clark
Moving over into the Mediterranean, Bitter Honey: Recipes and Stories from the Island of Sardinia is a must-read. Chef, Letitia Clark, has created a colourful book filled with passion and the importance of good, nourishing food. Whether you have an interest in Sardinian food or simply want to try something new, this is worth giving a whirl. Learn how to cook healthy recipes, such as roast aubergine medlies or pasta served with fresh crab.
3. Taverna by Georgina Hayden
Sticking with the Mediterranean theme, Taverna by Georgina Hayden is another excellent healthy cookbook. The recipes focus on authentic Greek-Cypriot food that is at once comforting and good for you. You might say it’s a win-win! From cinnamon-infused stews to classic salads, there’s something for every occasion. What’s more, the beautifully designed book features a handful of vegan recipes, which are equally delicious.
4. Eat Green by Melissa Hemsley
Calling all flexitarians! Eat Green by Melissa Hemsley is your go-to book for midweek meals. As the title suggests, this cookbook puts the emphasis on eating well for your health and the planet. With that in mind, the recipes focus on easy-to-get ingredients and help you cut down on your kitchen wastage. You can expect delicious and healthy dishes including spicy sprout and mushroom noodles with five spice and fridge-raid frittata.
5. The Quick Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer
Looking for healthy bakes? While the word ‘roast’ may conjure images of carb-laden brown feasts, they can also be seriously healthy meals. In The Quick Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer, you can find a range of super easy recipes that take 10 minutes to prep and then 30 minutes to roast. It couldn’t be easier. Boasting 75 unique recipes that you can make with things you already have in your cupboard, this cookbook is a real winner.
6. The Happy Pear: Vegan Cooking for Everyone
Plant-based diets are a huge trend right now and they are more than just a fad. Cutting back on animal-based ingredients is a savvy way to boost your health. Fortunately, The Happy Pear: Vegan Cooking for Everyone allows you to do just that. Filled with delightful plant-based recipes and tips to help you get started, there’s a lot to love here. If you’ve never tried your hand at cooking vegan dishes before now, this is the cookbook for you.
7. Green by Elly Pear
Next up, Green by Elly Pear is a cookbook that boasts both vegan and vegetarian dishes. Featuring 100 easy-to-master recipes, there’s plenty of range here. Whether you’re cooking a quick 20-minute midweek meal or a leisurely brunch feast, there’s something for you right here. Deletable highlights include the delicious Jalapeño brine French toast crumpets and the harissa chickpeas with za’atar and baked feta. Give it a go for yourself!
8. Indian-ish by Priya Krishna
Indian-ish by Priya Krishna is a stunning medley of Indian-American cooking that everyone needs to try. Inspired by her mother’s approach to cooking, the cookbook features a variety of modern recipes that are as healthy as they are delicious. You’re sure to recognise some of the classic recipes, such as saag paneer, but it doesn’t end there. The book also boasts original takes on traditional dishes, such as the unique roti pizza.
9. Healthier Together by Liz Moody
Filled to the brim with dairy-free, gluten-free, and plant-focused dishes, Healthier Together by Liz Moody is a must-have. This is one of the best healthy cookbooks for people who are new to the culinary arts. With more than 100 recipes to pick from, you will never get tired of returning to this book time and time again. Expect comfort food favourites with a healthy twist such as cornflake ‘fried’ chicken and banana bread pancakes.
10. Veg by Jamie Oliver
Whether you’re a fan of his shows or otherwise, Veg by Jamie Oliver is one of the best healthy cookbooks you can buy. Based on the dishes seen on Channel 4’s Meat-Free Meals, this book has more than 100 meals that anybody can make. If you’re feeding the whole family, you’re sure to love this book. Must-try favourites include a tasty aubergine lasagne, sticky onion tart and cauliflower cheese pizza.
The Takeaway!
Hoping to restock your bookshelf? Starting with the best healthy cookbooks is the way to go. Why not treat yourself to some of the book options we’ve mentioned? Learning how to cook well and, ultimately, eat well is one of the best ways to invest in your wellness.
