Interested in making climate-friendly culinary choices, but want some inspiration?
Thankfully, we now have dozens and dozens of healthy, whole foods cookbooks making the rounds.
Flip open any of them and you’ll discover tantalizing ideas for plant-centered, sustainable meals.
Below are some of my favorites—along with a familial shout-out to my mother’s 1971 classic, Diet for a Small Planet.
Diet for a Small Planet by Frances Moore Lappé
This 1971 classic reveals the environmental and economic irrationality of factory farmed meat and makes a compelling case for a plant-centered diet. More than thirty years later, this three-million copy bestselling book has stood the test of time.
The Modern Vegetarian Kitchen by Peter Berley
Every recipe I’ve tried in this delightful cookbook has been a hit and some my new addiction: like the picture perfect jalapeno cast-iron skillet cornbread. But be sure to get yourself a jug of maple syrup. Peter Berley–and I– love the stuff.
Vegetable Dishes I can’t Live Without by Mollie Katzen
Katzen has a knack for unique twists on simple recipes that let the vegetables speak for themselves. Check out more Katzen titles; you won’t be disappointed.
Everyday Greens: Home Cooking from Greens, by Annie Somerville
Greens Restaurant has been a leader in the San Francisco veggie establishment for decades. Bring home to your very own kitchen some of the restaurant’s celebrated meals. Filled with great soups, fresh ideas, and fun cooking tips.
Enlightened Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer pulled together this collection of great recipes from some of East Harlem’s celebrated residents and restaurant owners. (In Spanish and English).
Farmer John’s Cookbook: The Real Dirt on Vegetables
This seasonal cookbook is a joy to cook with: I’ve found that I turn to it often when I’ve come back from the farmers market with baskets full of vegetables I’m just not sure what to do with.
Grub: Ideas for an Urban Organic Kitchen by Anna Lappé and Bryant Terry
An exposé about industrial food is combined with seasonal menus and recommended soundtracks. From the DIY Punk Brunch Buffet to the Valentine’s Day Decadence feast, you’ll find recipes to tease your tastebuds.
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
Okay, so this isn’t a cookbook, but in case you needed more reasons to choose climate-friendly, real food, Pollan gives you a walloping dose of what difference these food choices make.
