Best Vegan Recipe Book Reddit Picks for Plant-Based Cooks

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just dabbling in plant-based cooking, finding truly inspiring vegan recipes can feel overwhelming. Enter Reddit: a treasure trove of candid reviews, inventive home cooks, and honest recommendations.

If you’ve ever searched for the “best vegan recipe book Reddit” suggestions, you know how passionate the community is about sharing their favorite cookbooks and must-try recipes. Today, I’m taking you on a flavorful journey inspired by Reddit’s top picks, featuring a vegan recipe that encapsulates everything plant-based cuisine can be—delicious, nourishing, and surprisingly easy.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to earn a place in your kitchen rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a fusion of crowd-pleasing elements that Redditors consistently rave about: hearty, wholesome ingredients, bold flavors, and minimal fuss. You’ll love how the creamy coconut-lentil curry brings together pantry staples for a meal that feels both comforting and exotic.

It’s gluten-free, nut-free, and easily customizable for your favorite veggies or heat level. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday suppers.

Plus, it’s budget-friendly and meal-prep approved!

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Brown or green lentils 1 cup, dried
Coconut milk (full-fat) 1 can (13.5 oz)
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic, minced 3 cloves
Fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon
Canned diced tomatoes 1 can (14.5 oz)
Carrot, diced 1 large
Red bell pepper, chopped 1 medium
Baby spinach 2 cups (packed)
Curry powder 2 teaspoons
Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes (optional) 1/4 teaspoon
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Olive oil 1 tablespoon
Salt & black pepper To taste
Lime juice 1 tablespoon (plus wedges for serving)
Fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Chef’s knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Grater (for ginger)
  • Ladle (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep the aromatics and veggies:

    Dice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, dice the carrot, and chop the bell pepper.
  2. Sauté aromatics:

    Heat the olive oil in your large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add spices and veggies:

    Sprinkle in the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Stir well. Add the diced carrot and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the spices bloom.
  4. Add lentils and liquids:

    Pour in the dried lentils, canned tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, and coconut milk. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Simmer:

    Lower the heat and let the curry simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the mixture is thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a splash more broth if needed.
  6. Add spinach and finish:

    Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt, about 2 minutes. Squeeze in the lime juice and season generously with salt and black pepper.
  7. Serve:

    Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and extra lime wedges. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Tips & Variations

  • Want more veggies? Add diced zucchini, sweet potato, or kale in step 3 for extra nutrition and color.
  • Spice level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste, or add a chopped fresh chili for more heat.
  • Creamier curry: Use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the curry before adding spinach for a thicker, velvety texture.
  • Protein boost: Toss in a can of chickpeas or cubes of tofu along with the lentils.
  • Meal prep: This curry stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 2 months.
  • “Redditors love this recipe for its adaptability—swap in what you have on hand and make it your own!”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/4 recipe)
Calories 330
Protein 14g
Carbohydrates 46g
Fiber 15g
Sugars 7g
Fat 9g
Saturated Fat 6g
Sodium 540mg

Note: Nutrition facts are approximate and will vary based on brands and added ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over fluffy basmati or jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
  • Scoop up with warm vegan naan or pita bread for an indulgent twist.
  • Top with a dollop of vegan yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for extra texture.
  • Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal.
  • For a themed dinner, serve alongside a sweet treat like Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream or something chocolatey like Chocolate Heaven Cake.

Conclusion

Reddit’s vegan community has a knack for uncovering the most flavor-packed, accessible plant-based recipes—and this coconut-lentil curry is no exception. It combines the best advice from countless threads: hearty, simple, and endlessly customizable.

Whether you’re making it for a quick weekday dinner or prepping ahead for lunches, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and again. And if you’re on the hunt for more creative plant-based meals, don’t miss our other reader favorites like Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew and comforting casseroles such as Collard Green Casserole Recipes.

Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with vibrant, nourishing flavors!

📖 Recipe Card: Creamy Vegan Chickpea Curry

Description: A rich, flavorful chickpea curry that's quick to make and packed with plant-based protein. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cans (400g each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add curry powder and cumin, cook for another minute.
  5. Pour in diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes.
  6. Add chickpeas, coconut milk, salt, and pepper.
  7. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 380 kcal | Protein: 11 g | Fat: 17 g | Carbs: 48 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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