Whatever your cooking skills – whether you’re a klutz in the kitchen or have watched enough Master Chef to whip up a three-course meal, it is never a bad idea to refresh your cooking knowledge with some new recipes.
As such, we have collected a list of all the best female chef British cookbooks that you definitely don’t want to miss.
Thanks to these cookbooks, you’ll have everything you need to get creative – helping you to master the foundations of cooking and enhance your everyday eats.
Inside this epic cookbook, you’ll find the adventures of Nadiya Hussain as she travels around the UK; meeting food heroes and growers actively changing everything we know about British food.
Here, you should expect all of Nadiya’s useful twists and signature flavors that come together to create recipes such as Ploughman’s cheese & pickle tart, lamb bhuna with garlic naan, and crispy chocolate and salted peanut tart – delicious!
Mary-Anne Boermans, history buff, food writer, and Bake Off finalist, wrote this cookbook intending to highlight and revive a range of recipes from the British past.
Here, she has written a cookbook that rediscovers the lost recipes in the UK’s baking history – reinventing and triple-testing them for modern kitchens all over the world.
Instead of boring and outdated recipes, this cookbook offers a range of quality flavors and sophisticated knowledge.
For instance, some recipes include butter buns, Welsh honey cake, chocolate meringue pie, and creamy lemon syllabub.
Pros:
Very descriptive. All the recipes have a long introduction, including their place in history and the year they originated.
If you’re looking for something to help you get through the cold winter months, then you can’t go wrong with Rachel Allen’s Soup, Broth, Bread.
In fact, the cookbook itself was released on the 21st of October – just in time for the cold weather.
Here, you’ll find tons of warming and delicious recipes to help transform your soup-making skills – regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional.
From chickpea and chorizo broth to carrot and harissa soup, as well as a range of bread perfect for dipping – this cookbook has everything you need.
Did you know that Thali refers to the method in which foods are served in India – whereby you’ll find an array of dishes all on one platter? Well, this is exactly what this book explores.
In fact, this cookbook aims to replicate these feelings all within the comfort of your home. Not only are all the recipes big on flavors but you’ll find a range of classic to lesser-known recipes, too.
Some highlights include pickled squash with turmeric and dried mango powder, spinach and ginger chicken curry, and crispy fried lentil patties.
Pros:
It is more than a cookbook; it is a celebration of culture.
U.S.-friendly ingredients and measurements.
Recipes are as clear and straightforward as possible.
Wide variety of vegetarian options.
Cons:
Some readers felt there could’ve been more background information on the recipes.
Did you know that Thali refers to the method in which foods are served in India – whereby you’ll find an array of dishes all on one platter? Well, this is exactly what this book explores.
In fact, this cookbook aims to replicate these feelings all within the comfort of your home. Not only are all the recipes big on flavors but you’ll find a range of classic to lesser-known recipes, too.
Some highlights include pickled squash with turmeric and dried mango powder, spinach and ginger chicken curry, and crispy fried lentil patties.
Pros:
It is more than a cookbook; it is a celebration of culture.
U.S.-friendly ingredients and measurements.
Recipes are as clear and straightforward as possible.
Wide variety of vegetarian options.
Cons:
Some readers felt there could’ve been more background information on the recipes.
Sophie Gordon’s The Whole Vegetable sheds a whole new light on vegetables – placing them at the center of your cooking and capitalizing all their unique flavors for a delicious dish.
Here, an emphasis is placed on – you’ve guessed it! – using the whole vegetable. Additionally, it explores how to reduce waste, cooking with each part of the vegetable, reinventing leftovers, and cooking with seasonal vegetables.
Whether maple-roasted pears or pumpkin tacos are taking your fancy – there is truly something for everyone.
Pros:
Easily available ingredients.
The book is divided into different seasons.
An abundance of unique recipes.
Features a friendly, conversational style.
Cons:
Targeted to beginner cooks as opposed to experienced ones.
Asma Khan dedicated this cookbook to her mother and her Calcutta-style home cooking – it is a beautiful cookbook that needs to make an appearance on your kitchen shelf.
Here, you’ll find tons of quick recipes that are perfect for whipping up at the end of a busy day, as well as more advanced staples – the ideal cookbook for making all your favorite Indian recipes at home.
Plus, with over 100 recipes, you’ll have plenty of dishes to test out and keep you occupied.
Pros:
Beautifully presented and well-written.
Each picture tells a different story.
Descriptive and informative.
Recipes aren’t overly complicated.
Cons:
Some readers found it to be more of a memoir than a cookbook.
Ireland's best-known food ambassador, Darina Allen, has shared 100 of her best recipes in this fully revised and updated cookbook.
From starters to soups and her all-time favorite desserts – you’ll find everything you need to whip up a feast.
The cookbook covers everything from poultry, meat, vegetables, and fish dishes that have been tried and tested over time – producing you with only the best.
Pros:
Simple recipes, you don’t have to worry about any complex or fussy ingredients.
Original and delicious recipes.
Goes into great detail – makes some of the more complex recipes easier to break down.
Cons:
There are no U.S. measurements or conversions.
Buyer’s Guide
With so many cookbooks available on the market, narrowing it down to the best options can be somewhat overwhelming.
As such, below, we have outlined some factors to consider when choosing the best female chef British (see also: 11 Female Great British Chefs We Adore)cookbooks for you.
Cuisine
The United Kingdom is a melting pot of diverse cultures. While all these recommendations feature British chefs, each offers a different approach to cuisine – from traditional British dishes to Indian and Thai.
Therefore, depending on what you’re looking for – you should purchase a cookbook that will help you achieve this.
Dietary Requirements
Another factor you should consider is your dietary requirements. For instance, are you vegan, vegetarian, or lactose intolerant?
Determining your preferences will help you narrow down your selection of cookbooks.
Level
Finally, you’ll want to purchase a cookbook that is designed for your specific cooking experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional – there is something for all talents.
Final Thoughts
With the help of these cookbooks, you’ll be whipping up a storm in no time. Thanks to easy-to-follow recipes, informative descriptions, and engaging writing, you’ll master the art of cooking in no time.
All these cookbooks were written by women – shedding some much-needed light on amazing female chefs in a male-dominated industry.
In a 2020, money.co.uk, report, the best UK chefs were ranked in terms of success.
While no female chefs were in the top 10, Nigella Lawson, Mary Berry, Thomasina Miers, Rosemary Shrager, Lorraine Pascal, and Delia Smith made the top 25.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
