What’s Cooking: 12 Summer Cookbooks We’re Excited For

If you are looking ahead to leisurely lunches al fresco or you just need a shot of inspiration to pep up your summer salads, we’ve rounded up the best latest cookbook releases. There is a tome for all tastes, from Italian masterclasses in pasta making to globally inspired feasts to share with friends, as well as tips and recipes to finesse your barbecue skills in time for summer. Ready, steady cook!

Sweet Enough by Alison Roman, £22

Easy, casual ‘thrown together’ desserts that will impress guests with zero fuss, from restaurant patisserie chef, Alison Roman.

Bold Beans by Amelia Christie-Miller, £20 (out July – pre-order now)

If you’re aiming to add more plant-based protein to your culinary repertoire, this 90-recipe strong tome will inspire your salads, broths and sharing plates all summer long.

Indian Flavour Everyday by Maya Kaimal, £21

Packed with simple tips, Maya Kaimal’s recipes bring the flavours of India, without the faff. Everyday, easy to follow recipes that simplify classic dishes and put new twists on old favourites.

Time & Tide by Emily Scott, £22.25 (out July – pre-order now)

From Cornish bouillabaisse to bramble and peach crumble, Emily Scott’s new cookbook is inspired by the sea and wild coastal paths of Cornwall. Perfect for staycation suppers filled with British summer flavours.

Anything You Can Cook, I Can Cook Vegan by Richard Makin, £25

Sound like a challenge? If you’re up for some plant-based swaps to change up your weekly meal plan (or convince stalwart meat-eaters veganism isn’t all rabbit food) this one’s for you - think Mac’n’cheese, fry ups and ice-cream sundaes. We didn’t say it was healthy.

Pasta Masterclass by Mateo Zielonka, £21

Looking to impress your summer guests with some homemade pasta? Pick up all the tips you need on forming 30 shapes, and 40 recipes for sauces to pair with them. Who needs the Amalfi Coast anyway?

Cucina Povera by Giulia Scarpaleggia, £25

Cucina Povera, or ‘peasant cooking’ uses the humblest ingredients - beans and lentils, inexpensive fish and cuts of meat, vegetables from the garden, rice, pasta and leftovers to create delicious, simple, soulful Italian dishes.

Comfort & Joy by Ravinder Bhopal, £20

Vegan and vegetarian don’t always fall into the same sentence as decadent and indulgent, but taking cues from a globally sourced larder, Ravinder Bhopal conjures up a bounty of abundant, rich, satisfying dishes - with a veg-centric theme.

Franklin Smoke: Wood, Fire, Food by Aaron Franklin and Jordan Mackay, £25

The alchemy of fire, smoke and meat brings together flavours that sing of summer. In Aaron Franklin and Jordan Mackay’s guide to grilling isn’t just a recipe book, but a resource for anyone looking to improve their at-home BBQ skills.

Salt of the Earth by Carolina Doriti, £21.35

With traditional techniques and local produce at its heart, this evocative foodie read will transport you to the Mediterranean and into the heart of a Greek kitchen this summer.

Veggie BBQ by Nikolaj Juel, £17

If you’re looking to improve your BBQ menu for veggie guests, this could be a great place to start. From grilled veg to dips, pizzas and burgers - it may be time to retire the charred sausage for something all-together more appealing.

5 Ingredients Mediterranean by Jamie Oliver, £28 (out August – pre-order now)

Oliver’s 5 Ingredient formulas has a proven track record and this summer he’s put a Mediterranean spin on his simple, quick dishes. Packed with 125 dishes, covering salads, meats, pies and sweet treats.

By Lydia Mansi
May 2023