Plum Village Cookbook – Mindful Vegan Recipes for Compassionate Living

The Plum Village Cookbook invites you to experience the art of mindful cooking and eating with over 20 plant-based (vegan) recipes inspired by the Plum Village community. These mindful vegan recipes, rooted in the traditional Vietnamese dishes, are designed to nourish both your body and spirit, while encouraging mindfulness in your daily life.

Cooking and eating are profound practices at Plum Village, where meals are prepared and enjoyed with deep awareness and gratitude for the interconnectedness of all life. When we eat mindfully, we honor the work and love that went into growing and preparing the food, and we nourish not only our physical bodies but also our hearts. As Thich Nhat Hanh often reminds us, eating with mindfulness helps us cultivate joy, peace, and understanding—nourishing not only ourselves but also future generations.

“Eating a meal in mindfulness reveals that you are nourished by the whole universe.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

A Taste of Plum Village in Your Kitchen

If you’ve ever visited Plum Village, you’ve likely enjoyed delicious plant-based meals that reflect the simplicity, healthfulness, and care of the community. Each mindful vegan recipe in this cookbook captures the essence of Plum Village’s daily menu, featuring comforting dishes such as oatmeal and homemade bread for breakfast, and vibrant lunches like stir-fry vegetables, tofu, soups, and salads. Dinner is a light and nourishing affair, with simple dishes like rice or noodle soup paired with vegetables.

Through mindful cooking and eating, we can transform the way we nourish ourselves. This cookbook is an invitation to explore the richness of vegan cuisine, discover new flavors, and cultivate mindfulness in the kitchen. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or an experienced cook, these recipes will inspire you to approach each meal with joy, curiosity, and love.

With the Plum Village Cookbook, you’ll discover a selection of delicious, plant-based recipes inspired by Vietnamese cuisine, and shared among the Plum Village community. While the cookbook offers some of the most cherished dishes enjoyed during our retreats, it represents just a small portion of the wide variety of meals prepared in Plum Village. The vibrant photos you see capture the essence of the nourishing food served at Plum Village, though they may depict dishes beyond those included in this collection of recipes. Each dish is prepared with the same mindfulness and love that fills our kitchen, inviting you to bring a taste of Plum Village into your home.

Mindfulness and Compassion in Every Bite

In the Plum Village tradition, cooking and eating are not just about preparing food—they are opportunities for deep mindfulness and connection. In every meal, we are reminded to be fully present, aware of the earth and all living beings that contributed to the food we eat. By slowing down, we can appreciate each bite, knowing that eating in mindfulness helps us develop understanding and compassion.

With the Plum Village Cookbook, you’ll not only find delicious recipes, but also practical guidance on how to bring the practice of mindfulness into your kitchen. As you cook, you are invited to perform a body scan, invite the sound of the bell at regular intervals, and practice mindful breathing. These small yet powerful practices help transform cooking into a joyful and nourishing meditation, fostering a sense of connection with your food, your body, and your loved ones.

Embracing a Plant-Based Lifestyle with Joy

Transitioning to a plant-based diet can be a joyful and exciting journey. The Plum Village Cookbook encourages you to approach this change with curiosity, playfulness, and open-mindedness. If you are new to vegan cooking, you don’t need to rush—simply try one recipe at a time, savoring each new flavor and combination. Cooking is an art, and there’s no need to strive for perfection. Instead, let your body and genuine curiosity guide you as you explore these recipes and create dishes that bring joy to you and your loved ones.

As Thich Nhat Hanh teaches, joy is the essential ingredient in both cooking and eating. This cookbook invites you to bring joy and mindfulness into your kitchen, and to experience the powerful effects of mindful eating on your health and well-being. With each meal, you’ll not only nourish your body but also cultivate peace, connection, and gratitude.