15 Insanely Good Cookbooks You Should Own
Detailed list of cookbooks good reads in 2023 and are 100% worth every penny!
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As we move into the digital era of finding recipes, be it via Pinterest or blogs such as this one, there’s something about having a physical book that a phone, tablet, or computer just simply can’t achieve.
Maybe it’s the feeling of paper between your fingers, or the ability to display it on your favourite book stand or coffee table; whatever it may be, believe it or not, cookbooks are a $4 billion annual business with 20 million books sold A YEAR in the United States alone.
That’s A LOT of books!
As an avid cook and baker, I’m the owner of a few dozen cookbooks and have used them countless times when cooking for friends and family. I truly believe that food brings people together and is a common point between us all. With that in mind, I decided to put together a list of cookbook recommendations that you’ll hopefully use for your next meal!
Why Are Cookbooks Important?
Humans have been cooking and eating for well over a million years; arguably, it is one of the few things we can all relate to. Cooking to me is about bringing people together. It’s about seeing the smile on someone’s face when you know you’ve made something they really enjoyed. It’s about sharing a moment with strangers and loved ones and having food be the mutual connection between all parties.
But where do cookbooks come into play? Well, for some people, cookbooks are handwritten by their babcias, nonnas, moms, dads, or anyone close to them. For others, it’s a collection of recipes from around the world that you can find at your local bookstore.
The cookbooks I have at home can be separated into two categories: authentic cuisine from a given country, and more general cookbooks that encompass a wide variety of cuisines. Admittedly, my favourite ones are the ones that narrow into a culture, which allows me to truly understand the stories and traditions behind each and every dish.
Cookbooks play a critical role in safeguarding old (and new) recipes. They hold tips and tricks on how to make the perfect sauce, or the best sourdough you’ve ever tasted, and in a sense, they’re a bit like cultural encyclopedias.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I often find recipes on Pinterest or Instagram, but sometimes you just can’t beat cracking open a book to a random page, making something for the first time (or hundredth), and seeing everyone eat in silence and content.
What Cookbooks Are a Good Read?
Whether it’s a gift for the foodie in your life, or for yourself as an easy meal reference, some cookbooks are just worth getting. So, here’s my list of 15 cookbooks that are absolutely worth your money!
The Ultimate Soup Cookbook | Dru Melton & Jamie Taerbaum
I love soup. I’m actually convinced that it runs in my Polish veins. Growing up, it didn’t matter whether it was +30 degrees or -30 degrees, I was eating soup. Every culture has their go to soup, and I can almost guarantee everyone’s had a soup at least once.
This book is FULL, and I mean full, of beautiful soup recipes that range from super easy flavours, to more complex ones. Whether you’re an advanced soup maker or just beginning to get into it, this book is an easy favourite.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Sage and Apples
- North African Vegetable Soup
- Hearty Beef Stew
The Jewelled Table | Bethany Kehdy
I actually just got this one and haven’t tried too many recipes in it, but I’ve had a few and all I have to say is: wow. ‘Nough said. It’s a beautiful book and takes you across the Middle East and has so many stunning recipes, stories, pictures, and it’s amazing.
You’re just going to have to believe me on this one. I love it so far.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Winter Tabbouleh with Apple & Toasted Chestnut
- Ox Cheek, Shallot & Rhubarb Stew
- Orange Blossom Chicken Barida
The Bread Bible | Rose Levy Beranbaum
This one is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a giant, 640-page, mega book of bread-like recipes.
I’ve been making sourdough for almost four years now and my starter, Rico, is still going strong. My roommate has since learned how to make bread and finds working at the dough to be therapeutic.
This book has so many beautiful bread recipes and they’re so detailed! The author goes through every. Single. Step.
Now, I’ll admit that some of the recipes found in this book are a little on the advanced side, so if you’re just starting out, find recipes that are less labour and time intensive and work your way up from there.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Levy’s Bagels
- “Levy’s” Real Jewish Rye Bread
- Basic Soft White Sandwich Loaf
Tasting India | Christine Manfield
Another kitchen classic at my house is ‘Tasting India’. I had actually contemplated buying this one for a long time before pulling the trigger, but wow am I ever glad I did.
This book is stunning with its colourful photographs and inspiring stories from across the country. It has several of my favourite Indian dishes, and I don’t think I’ve ever gotten a complaint making a meal out of this book.
I’m gonna be real with you though, it’s not the cheapest book out there. However, if you do decide to eventually buy it, it is absolutely worth every single penny. I cannot stress to you enough how incredibly researched and thoughtful this book is.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- White Chicken Biryani (I’ve made this at least a dozen times)
- Potato & Pea Samosas
- Butter Chicken
Sweet, Sugar, Sultry, Spice | Malika Ameen
This book is all about trying new and exciting flavour combinations. If you love to bake, and you’re looking to experiment with unorthodox pairings, this is absolutely the book for you.
Some of the recipes sound a little out there but believe me when I say they are absolutely worth it. The author provides a refreshing new take on classic dessert recipes and makes it super easy to follow along.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Dark Cocoa Banana Muffins with Salty Macadamia Streusel
- Chewy Chocolate Devils
- Watermelon Jasmine Sherbet
Super Food Family Classics | Jamie Oliver
Known for his super simple recipes, Jamie Oliver, once again, provides readers with a list of easy-to-follow family classics that are sure to have everyone going back for more.
This book boasts traditional dishes from around the world but with a healthy spin on them. He talks about how good, traditional, homey dishes don’t always have to be unhealthy or expensive.
If you’re looking for some easy meal ideas that won’t break the bank, this one’s for you!
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Grilled Beef Kebabs with Shredded Crunch Salad, Feta, & Pita
- Shrimp Noodle Salad with Passion Fruit Dressing & Sesame Seeds
- Sausage Pasta with Broccoli, Chile, & Sweet Tomatoes
Stir Crazy | Ching-He Huang
Who doesn’t love a good stir fry? They’re so simple to make and you can literally use whatever you have laying around in the kitchen or in the fridge.
At our house, the three of us have demanding jobs and sometimes those jobs require us to go overtime; this is where a stir fry becomes the perfect dinner to make. It’s quick and it’s easy.
Stir Crazy offers readers a plethora of stir fry hacks and recipes, from staple ingredients, to balancing flavours. The author even goes as far as to explain the order in which to cook your ingredients depending on the type of stir fry you’re making.
Super easy to follow, super delicious, and recipes that anyone can make.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Spicy Lemongrass Chicken with Cashews
- Ground Pork with String Beans and Soy Sauce
- Korean Beef Bulgogi Stir Fry
Coconut Lagoon | Joe Thottungal & Anne DesBrisay
This cookbook hits home for me since Joe is a well-known chef in Ottawa. He’s a super wholesome and down-to-earth individual and has become a staple in the Ottawa food scene.
His two restaurants, Coconut Lagoon and Thali, offer an array of South Indian cooking that really makes you understand the culture behind the food you’re eating.
I had actually pre-ordered this book when it first came out and have made MANY recipes from it since. Joe’s second book, My Thali, is set to come out in a few weeks and I already can’t wait to see what beautiful recipes I’ll find in the next one.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Malabar Parathas
- Chickpea Curry
- Nilgiri Chicken (I have to make a point that this is one of the best Indian cuisine recipes I have ever made)
Scandinavian Gatherings | Melissa Bahen
Ok this book isn’t really a cookbook, but it does have recipes in it. One’s that I’ve used many times, so I’ll consider it a cookbook.
It’s actually a book that has recipes and crafts for different Scandinavian celebrations. It’s full of family tradition and makes you want to learn more about the Scandinavian lifestyle.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Braided Cardamom Bread
- Spiced Apple Coffee Cake
- Swedish Meatballs with Gravy (obviously)
Our Syria | Itab Azzam & Dina Mousawi
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, I like having cookbooks that have authentic recipes from a certain culture. ‘Our Syria’ is one of those books that explores the stories of different individuals and highlights recipes that have been passed down for generations.
I’ve made a handful of recipes from this book so far, and each one of them has been delicious. Surprisingly enough, my favourite one is a rice dish (third point below) that you can whip up in 20 minutes as a side to your dinner. It keeps really well in the fridge and is great for lunches.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Hummus with Meat (Hummus bi Lahmi)
- Cookies Stuffed with Dates (Ma’moul)
- Rice with Lamb and Peas (Ouzi)
Jamie Cooks Italy | Jamie Oliver
This next one has a similar feel to ‘Our Syria‘. The book was written during one of Jamie Oliver’s visits to Italy. He travelled across the country, meeting with nonnas and mammas who have been cooking as long as they could walk.
The book is jam packed with old family recipes shared by incredible women in Italy. I’ve made more recipes from this book than I can honestly count, but every one of them has been to die for.
If you’re looking for soulful and delicious home cooking, this one is an absolute must for your collection.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Mozzarella Bread with Smoky Scamorza, Smashed Green Olives, Capers & Oregano
- Pork Shoulder Tender & Slow-Roasted with Lots of Bay, Garlic, Onions & Vinegar
- Beautiful Zucchini Guanciale, Parsley & Sweet Tomatoes
Cooking Light : Global Kitchen | David Joachim
An oldie but a goodie. I’ve had this book for years now and it’s still one of the best ones to go to for easy and delicious meals. As the name says, it touches on every part of the world and makes all cuisines seem simple and approachable.
If you’re new to cooking cuisines out of your own, this book is a great way to start exploring something different. The recipes are very easy to follow, and every recipe has a photo to match.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Chicken Coconut Soup
- Hungarian Goulash
- Peruvian Beef Kebabs
Fresh from Poland | Michał Korkosz
This book also hits close to home, but not the home I’m used to. It hits me in the cultural feels. As a first generation Canadian, I’ve always had an interesting relationship vis-a-vis my “Canadian-ness” and my “Polish-ness”. That said, I’ve always felt extremely close to my Polish heritage and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Although I’m not a vegetarian, I can appreciate the author’s take on some old classics and have found a lot of really tasty recipes in this book. I’ve made some with my own twist using my current knowledge of Polish cuisine, others I’ve followed line-by-line because they’re honestly perfect just as he wrote them.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Apple Fritters (Racuchy)
- Sweet Blueberry Buns with Streusel (Jagodzianki) – these are seriously addictive and if you have access to fresh wild blueberries, I would HIGHLY recommend making them immediately.
- Sauerkraut, Apple, and Carrot Slaw (Surówka z kiszonej kapusty) – also a classic. Sounds weird but trust me, just try it.
Coast to Coast | Rick Stein
Rick Stein did a great job with this book. It has beautiful photographs throughout and takes you across the world to show you that good food comes from everywhere.
Full of travel stories and fresh ingredients, this book is sure to get your taste buds going.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Wild Mushroom Risoto
- Crisp Chinese Roast Pork
- Barbecued Shrimp with Coleslaw
Bake from Scratch | Brian Hart Hoffman
Although I haven’t had this book for very long yet, it’s quickly becoming a great book to go to when I’m craving something sweet. The range of desserts found in this book is truly unmatched.
There are well over 300 recipes packed into this 400-page book and I have no doubt that literally anybody can find a recipe that matches their skill level. It’s split into five major categories and the recipes are so simple it’s unbelievable.
If you’re looking for your new baking bible, this is it.
Cozy Urbanite Favourites
- Dutch Butter Cake (Boterkoek)
- Browned Butter Sugar Cookies
- Cinnamon Roll Loaf
Cookbooks As Gifts
Cookbooks are universally loved, and you can buy them for any occasion! If you have a foodie in your life, and don’t know what to get them, a cookbook is the perfect gift!
When to buy a cookbook and what for?!
- Wedding anniversary gifts
- Mother’s day gifts
- Father’s day gifts
- Birthday gifts
- Christmas gifts (makes for a good secret santa gift)
- Women’s day gifts
Whatever the day or event, I can almost guarantee that anyone will appreciate a good cookbook.
Are you enjoying this post? Check out some of our other foodie friendly posts like 10 Steps to Making the Perfect Vegan Charcuterie Board!
Are Cookbooks Worth It?
Let’s recap the 15 Must Have Books for Every Kitchen (Click the title to go back to the review):
- The Ultimate Soup Cookbook by Dru Melton & Jamie Taerbaum
- The Jewelled Table by Bethany Kehdy
- The Bread Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum
- Tasting India by Christine Manfield
- Sweet, Sugar, Sultry, Spice by Malika Ameen
- Super Food Family Classics by Jamie Oliver
- Stir Crazy by Ching-He Huang
- Coconut Lagoon by Joe Thottungal & Anne DesBrisay
- Scandinavian Gatherings by Melissa Bahen
- Our Syria by Itab Azzam & Dina Mousawi
- Jamie Cooks Italy by Jamie Oliver
- Cooking Light : Global Kitchen by David Joachim
- Fresh from Poland by Michał Korkosz
- Coast to Coast by Rick Stein
- Bake from Scratch by Brian Hart Hoffman
It’s my strong belief that cookbooks will always be worth buying because there’s just something missing from the digital experience that simply can’t replace a good ol’ fashion book.
Let me know down in the comments if you plan on trying out any of the recommended books, or if you own any of them and want to add to the discussion!
xo
Looking to satisfy that sweet tooth after reading about Bake from Scratch? Go check out The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe (seriously), you won’t regret it!
