Jamie Oliver to Release His First Meat-Free Cookbook, ‘Veg’

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is releasing a new vegetarian cookbook and it features more than 100 new recipes. Simply titled “Veg,” the cookbook will be published through Penguin Books imprint, Michael Joseph.

“For me, ‘Veg’ is all about celebrating really good, tasty food that just happens to be meat-free. This book is a collection of recipes that I often cook at home,” Oliver said in a statement. “Some are quick mid-week dinners, others are more of a weekend luxury but all of them are easy and delicious.”

According to a synopsis, “Veg” will feature easy-to-make recipes from suppers to classic dishes for both longtime vegetarians and those who are looking to eat less meat.

Although he’s not vegetarian, the celebrity chef’s love for veggie food is strong. For starters, his website features a number of vegetarian and vegan recipes. Last May, all locations of his restaurant chain, Jamie’s Italian, launched a new plant-based menu.

Oliver even publicly ditched meat for one week last May and encouraged fans to join him. He also backs Veg Power, an initiative launched to encourage vegetable consumption in the UK. Passionate about healthy eating, Oliver teamed up with Tesco, the nation’s leading supermarket, last September to promote its healthy eating program.

“Jamie has created a ground breaking and hugely satisfying book which committed meat lovers and long term vegetarians will love in equal measure. He is constantly creative and inventive in his cooking and this is no exception,” said Louise Moore, managing director at Michael Joseph.

The 43-year-old chef is also a fan of vegan food. He recently created a plant-based menu for the vegan soccer team, the Forest Green Rovers. Oliver also promoted “Mississippi Vegan: Recipes and Stories from a Southern Boy’s Heart,” a cookbook written by blogger Timothy Pakron, to his 7 million followers on social media last November.

“I’m a meat-eater, right? So here’s the thing – whether you’re a meat-eater or a vegan, it’s all good because he’s giving us ideas and inspiration to celebrate the health benefits and deliciousness of veggies,” he said.

“Veg” is set to launch this year on August 22 and is available for pre-order now.