Want to eat nutritious, delicious, budget-conscious food that’s both good for you and the planet? Know you need to get more plants on your plate but not sure how? Interested in knowing more about the big issues surrounding our food system?

Pioneering plant-based cookery school and charity, Made in Hackney has spent over 13 years inspiring thousands of people to grow, cook and eat more plants through its award-winning community programs. We Cook Plants, is Made in Hackney’s debut book: a vibrant, heartfelt collection of over 100 delicious plant-based recipes and a modern-day manual that champions practical, sustainable growing and cooking; an anti-racist approach to food; and the transformational power of community.

Packed with nourishing meals, comforting classics, and global flavours, We Cook Plants features recipes contributed by Made in Hackney’s diverse team of community chefs, volunteers, and supporters – including guest recipes from well- known names such as Anna Jones, Andi Oliver, Sami Tamimi, Dr Rupy, Sandor Katz and many more. Alongside conservations with change makers such as Anna Sulan Masing, Aja Barber, Nova Reid, FatGayVegan, Earthling Ed, Rose Eskafi, Poppy Okotcha and Yazzie Min.

We Cook Plants is more than just a cookbook, it is a celebration of resilience, community, and the joy of learning about and making food together. Each page is a testament to the organisation’s mission to bring people together, transform food systems and make culturally relevant plant-based food accessible.

Like a Made In Hackney lesson – the book is packed with practical advice such as plant-based nutrition; kitchen countertop food growing; foraging in urban environments; reducing food waste; fermentation skills and so much more. A joyful and compassionate book that tackles big topics like organic versus regenerative farming, what’s really causing hunger, how to decolonize the food system and the difference between culinary appropriation and appreciation. The book is beautifully designed with neurodiversity-friendly recipe layouts and easy to use icons to help you find budget, one pot, high in protein, gut-friendly or speedy recipes.

This book is for everyone – whether you’re a seasoned vegan, curious cook, or someone trying to eat more sustainably. Every recipe tells a story, and every page reflects our belief that food can heal, connect and uplift.

Recipes Include:

Main dishes: BBQ Oyster Mushrooms; Phish, Chips and Tartar sauce; Rebecca’s Bibimbap Bowl; Flo’s Afghan-Style Bean Curry; Sami’s Musaqa’a; Duchess Nena’s Party Jollof; Kelewele and many more.

Side dishes: Sareta’s Betroot and Cabbage Thoran, Hannah’s Carrot Top Chimichurri; Ellie’s Ricotta Cheese and much much more.

Sweet Dishes: Sarah’s Chocolate, Apricot and Hazelnut Cookies; Emel’s Baklava; Rachel’s Choc Avo Nice Cream with Strawberry Sauce; Sandra’s Sweet Potato Pudding and much more.

Drink recipes: Rowan’s Watermelon Mocktail; Nena’s Zobo; Woin’s Spiced Tea and more.