Throughout the United States, Black Americans are introducing innovative vegan recipes to their communities. Many started their plant-based journeys to address health problems that especially affect Black Americans. Others recognized similarities between systems of oppression—the violence inflicted on farmed animals and the violence against people of color in this country. But we must remember that veganism is not a uniform movement and includes diverse voices and experiences.
These 13 cookbooks showcase cherished recipes passed down from generations and rich, diverse flavors—welcoming a healthier and kinder future.
You won’t want to miss these 13 vegan cookbooks written by Black authors:
- Cooking from the Spirit by Tabitha Brown
Tabitha Brown, Emmy Award-winning actress, New York Times bestselling author, and three-time winner of the NAACP Image Award, presents her own vegan recipes that are flexible, creative, and encouraging. Whether you’re an experienced cook or new to cooking, Cooking from the Spirit offers a lot of freedom to make the dishes your own.
- Soul Food Recipe Guide by Brooke Brimm
Brook Brimm emphasizes the importance of nourishing the mind, body, and spirit with food. Soul Food Recipe Guide reflects this emphasis and promotes vegan soul food as the healthiest option. According to Brook, a plant-based soul food diet helps keep the mind clear, the body light and free, and the spirit delighted.
- By Any Greens Necessary by Trayce Lynn McQuirter
By Any Greens Necessary guides women in maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle by including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in their diets. Trayce highlights the importance of an active lifestyle and calls on all women to prioritize their health.
- Vegetable Kingdom by Bryant Terry
Vegetable Kingdom teaches us how to prepare tasty meals using vegetables, grains, and legumes. Bryant spotlights the role of fresh ingredients, vibrant spices, and clever techniques in building flavor and texture. Organized by ingredient, the book makes it easy to create simple meals based on what’s available at the market.
- Sweet Potato Soul by Jenné Claiborne
Jenné revives the age-old art of using fresh and locally sourced ingredients in Sweet Potato Soul. The cookbook features 100 vegan recipes that put a unique spin on Southern cuisine, such as “Peach Date BBQ Jackfruit Sliders” and “Sweet Potato-Tahini Cookies.” Beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs, this book will leave you drooling.
- Makini’s Vegan Kitchen by Makini Howell
In this anniversary edition of the original Plum cookbook, Makini Howell, a nationally renowned chef and entrepreneur, shares her visionary plant-based recipes. These delicious recipes are inspired by one of the highest-ranked vegan fine-dining restaurants in the country.
- Unbelievably Vegan by Charity Morgan
Charity Morgan, a private chef to elite athletes and rock stars, helps you discover flavorful vegan dishes. Unbelievably Vegan offers recipes inspired by Charity’s heritage and provides a plan for eating less meat, whether you want to go completely vegan or reduce your meat intake.
- Afro-Vegan by Bryant Terry
Afro-Vegan is a unique cookbook featuring over 100 delicious contemporary dishes inspired by Bryant’s personal experiences and the history of African cuisine. Bryant also shares his thoughts on food as a means of bringing people together and includes music and book recommendations to complement the recipes.
- Caribbean Vegan by Taymer Mason
Chef Taymer Mason, who hails from Barbados, shares 75 new recipes in the second edition of Caribbean Vegan. Taymer also provides useful tips and tricks for various cooking activities, such as cutting breadfruit, making cassava flour, and selecting a ripe coconut.
- Plentiful by Denai Moore
Denai Moore’s Plentiful is a unique tribute to Jamaican cuisine, combining traditional flavors with a modern twist. Her collection of recipes ranges from the convenient “Rice & Peas Arancini” to the comforting “‘Oxtail’ Gravy & Roasted Garlic Spring Onion Mash.” The recipes are approachable, engaging, and simply delicious.
- Vegan Nigerian Kitchen by Tomi Makanjuola
Vegan Nigerian Kitchen is an essential cookbook for those who want to embark on an exciting and delicious culinary journey. It features a variety of regional dishes from across Nigeria, along with insights into traditional ingredients and cooking methods.
- Eat Plants, B*tch by Pinky Cole
Eat Plants, B*tch celebrates Cole’s belief that cooking and enjoying irresistible vegan comfort food can be fun and accessible. The cookbook features mouthwatering photographs and easy-to-follow instructions so you can recreate savory dishes like “Oyster Mushroom Parmesan.”
- Black Girl Baking by Jerrelle Guy
Immerse yourself in the scents, sounds, sights, textures, and tastes of Black Girl Baking. Jerrelle takes you on a joyous baking adventure that delights all five senses. She revisits and reimagines her dishes using ingredients that give her a sense of power and of connection with her identity and the world.
These vegan cookbooks expand our culinary horizons, and by sharing them we can support Black chefs, authors, and food enthusiasts while inspiring others to join the plant-based movement. Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant vegan community.
