This list of more than 55 cookbooks by Black authors shows how significant their voices and work are to the foundation and innovation of the food culture we have today.
I’m committed to supporting, listening, learning and sharing the voices and work of Black people and people of color here on Zestful Kitchen. I hope you will join me in celebrating these inspiring individuals and their work in the food world and beyond.
A quick note—these are Amazon Affiliate links. I make a small percentage off any sale resulting from these links. Any funds I receive from these purchases will be donated to the NAACP.
Want to start the conversation with your kids? Check out my list of more than 10 Children’s Books that Celebrate Diversity in Food & Culture.
More than 55 Cookbooks by Black Authors
In Pursuit of Flavor: The Beloved Classic Cookbook from the Acclaimed Author of The Taste of Country Cooking
By Edna Lewis
I share a few books from Edna Lewis in this list because simply put, she's the queen of farm to table and Southern cooking.
Sweetie Pie's Cookbook: Soulful Southern Recipes, from My Family to Yours
By Miss Robbie (Montgomery)
Soul Food Love: Healthy Recipes Inspired by One Hundred Years of Cooking in a Black Family
By Mother-daughter duo, Alice and Caroline Randall Williams
The Jemima Code: Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks
By Toni Tipton-Martin
Though not technically a cookbook, The Jemima Code shares over 150 Black cookbooks ranging from an 1827 house servant's manual, the first Black-authored published cookbook, to modern classics by authors Edna Lewis, Vertamae Grosvenor, and more. The books, their covers, and select recipes are shared in chronological order in this inspirational and ground-breaking book.
The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South
By Michael W. Twitty
A memoir instead of a cookbook, this incredible work from Michael W. Twitty explores this Southern culinary history through stories, recipes, genetic tests, historical documents, and travels. This book uncovers the power and impact of Southern food on American culinary tradition.
28-Day Plant-Powered Health Reboot: Reset Your Body, Lose Weight, Gain Energy & Feel Great
By Jessica Jones & Wendy Lopez
In Bibi's Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight African Countries that Touch the Indian Ocean
By Hawa Hassan & Julia Turshen
Spoonbread & Strawberry Wine: Recipes and Reminiscences of a Family
By Normal Jean Darden and Carole Darden
Provisions: The Roots of Caribbean Cooking--150 Vegetarian Recipes
By Suzanne and Michelle Rousseau
Notes from a Young Black Chef: A Memoir
By Kwame Onwuachi
Though not a cookbook, this is an inspiring story that covers race, fame and food.
The Lusty Vegan: A Cookbook and Relationship Manifesto for Vegans and Those Who Love Them
By Ayinde Howell and Zoe Eisenberg
Sweet Home Café Cookbook: A Celebration of African American Cooking
By Albert Lukas, NMAAHC, Jerome Grant and Jessica B. Harris
If there is a book you believe should be on this list, email me at lauren(at)zestfulkitchen(dot)com and I will get it added!
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Searching for Black authored Cookbooks for children. Need books that families with young children can prepare foods/meals together. Of course, recipes should be as healthy as possible. Thank you.
Hi Jacqueline! We put together a list of 11 children’s books that celebrate diversity in food and culture. You can find the list here: https://zestfulkitchen.com/food-diversity-childrens-picture-books/
These aren’t cookbooks, but they do have some recipes!