In the age of the internet, who even buys cookbooks anymore? As a vegetarian or vegan especially, finding cookbooks with something fresh and delicious that still works for your diet can be a real challenge. But no longer are vegetarian recipes just found in a little niche section of Chapters — online, there is a thriving and inventive vegetarian community. Food blogs provide a modern new platform for moms and five-star chefs alike to share their latest creations. I’ve put together a list of my top few, and I promise that there’s a recipe below for everybody: vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike.
1. Cookie + Kate
Named after founder Katie and her schipperke pup Cookie, this blog has yet to provide me with a recipe I haven’t loved. The dishes are all crafted using fresh ingredients, and many are packed with protein. All of her recipes are meatless but still entirely wholesome and filling.
My top picks from Cookie + Kate include the West African Peanut Soup, Kale and Black Bean Burritos, and Balsamic Roasted Broccoli and Red Pepper Grilled Cheese.
2. Minimalist Baker
Contrary to the name, this blog has a lot more than baked goods. In fact, it may be one of the most versatile food blogs I’ve ever seen. Its recipes of all sorts all taste equally amazing. Maybe the magic is in the creators – John and Dana, a husband and wife duo. The vast majority of their recipes are vegan and many are gluten free, but these two pride themselves most on each recipe containing 10 ingredients or less, requiring only one bowl, or taking no more than 30 minutes to prepare. I personally am not vegan, but I’ve tried many of their vegan baked goods and honestly prefer them to eggs-and-butter style baking. These recipes have been tried and tested to perfection. Each blog post itself is a treat, too; with stunning photography and heartfelt blog entries, the Minimalist Baker gives cookbooks everywhere a run for their money.
Not sure where to start? I’d suggest a few of my favourite recipes, the Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Crispy Tofu, Vegan Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, or Vegan Macaroni Salad.
3. Chocolate Covered Katie
Unlike the other two blogs I’ve mentioned so far, I can’t guarantee that you’ll find yourself a wholesome warm meal at Chocolate Covered Katie. But I can promise that any desert you prepare using a recipe from this site will one of the healthiest – and yummiest – you’ve had in a long time. Take, for example, the Cookie Dough Dip that was Katie’s first claim to fame. It genuinely tastes like the addictive chocolate chip cookie dough we all know and love – and it’s made with chickpeas?!? My favourite thing is to have a spoon of this dip with sliced apple and oatmeal in the morning – it’s sooo scrumptious and will keep you full until lunch. And, for any vegans out there, this entire blog is 100% free of animal products since Katie herself is a dedicated vegan.
Looking for a few more healthy sweets to try out? Try one of Katie’s many single-serving desserts, such as the Single Serving Apple Crumble, Five-Minute Carrot Cake for One, or Peanut Butter Frozen Hot Chocolate.
Do you have any favourite vegetarian recipes or food blogs? If not, I greatly encourage you to give one a try during October as part of International Vegetarian Awareness Month.