Today's Veganuary email is all about cooking at home. When I first went vegetarian in 2001 I was a TERRIBLE cook, I put terrible in all caps so you can understand just how awful I was in the kitchen. I could bake without issue, but cooking, I just didn't understand. Rarely did a recipe come out well and on the off-chance I made something edible it wasn't exactly exciting or even flavorful. Since this was 2001, I didn't have YouTube videos or countless vegan food blogs to consult. So, I turned to cookbooks. Isa's cookbooks go beyond recipes, you'll also find incredibly helpful tips and descriptions. You'll find guidance on things like knife skills, definitions of foods or ingredients that are likely new to a fledging veggie, favorite and useful kitchen tools. Reading Isa's cookbooks helped me begin to understand how to pair flavors, how to properly prepare tofu, Items that work well as substitutes and which ones don't.
Whether you love to cook or not, learning to cook vegan food is absolutely an adventure! I know for me, I was pushed to explore so many new cuisines and ingredients. When I first went vegetarian, the people closest to me weren't sure if it would stick because I wasn't historically adventurous with food but knowing that I'll never bite into a tendon, a vein, or a glob of fat while eating veggie meals made it so much easier to be open and excited to explore.
Unlike me in 2001, you have access to countless YouTube channels and vegan blogs in addition to the amazing cookbooks out there. These digital platforms provide not only recipes but also cooking techniques, meal prep ideas, and nutritional advice that can help anyone transition to a vegan lifestyle more smoothly. Don't neglect the amazing cookbooks available that delve deeper into the art of plant-based cooking, offering diverse cuisines and innovative dishes that highlight the versatility of vegan ingredients. Many of these cookbooks are authored by renowned chefs and food bloggers who share their personal stories and culinary journeys, making the experience of exploring vegan cooking both educational and inspiring. With such a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you have the opportunity to learn from a vibrant community of fellow vegans, experiment with new recipes, and discover the joy of creating delicious, healthful meals that are not only good for you but also good for the animals and the planet.
Here are links to some of my favorites.
YouTube:
Blogs:
Check out some of my own recipes:
We're 6 days in, how is Veganuary going for you so far? What questions are cropping up? Tell me in the comments below!
I am looking for guests for Season 6 of the Did You Bring the Hummus Podcast! Podcast recordings will begin this month with a planned release beginning in March. If you're a vegan or know a vegan who would be a great fit for the podcast, fill out the Be A Guest Quiz here and I'll be in touch!
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I love Gaz Oakley! I got his 100 Vegan cookbook and love his presentation!!
Chef Jana (youtube) has some great tips.
When I lived in community in the 90s, our cusine was vegetarian, and mostly organic. Such good food - i have their cookbook (Breitenbush Cookbook) and have fun pulling familiar recipes ... I've begun making natto recently, (fermented soybeans/ any beans) and Jane made l-reuteri yogurt using tinned Coconut milk for several years.
This post is such a heartfelt reminder that cooking vegan is a journey of learning, adventure, and love! Your story inspires anyone thinking they “can’t cook” to give it a go—because flavorful, plant-based meals are within reach! Thanks for sharing so many great resources too! 🌱✨
Oh I love Brussel sprouts (that aren't mushy) and I'm going to try your recipe!
You bring up a good point. These days we have so many more resources for various life situations: cooking, exercising, fixing things around the house, travel. Check out "Mind over Munch", she has some fun recipes, I like her Bento Boxes.
Such an interesting post. It's great that you learned how to cook and that you're now happy with your vegan diet. It's also good that there are more resources for people starting out as vegans so they can enjoy a delicious and healthy diet!