The cookbook shelf of a former vegetarian. Photo: emdot, Flickr.

Whether you're a full-fledged veg or a pro-greens protein fiend, vegetarian cookbooks are the door to a world where beans, greens and grains are celebrated. These books will introduce you to a whole new pantry of ingredients. Just as a meat eater might strive to make use of the entire animal, vegetarian cooks grab inspiration from far and wide and turn every bit of edible, natural earth into a grand culinary experience.

What follows after the jump are five vegetarian cookbooks that any veggie lover must have, covering the staples of meatless cookery -- secret recipes from restaurants, classic culinary bibles, respected names and haute vegetarian food. Which do you think will reign supreme?

Tried-and-True Classic: 'The New Laurel's Kitchen'
The first edition was one of those tomes that sat on the shelf of every vegetarian kitchen -- well-worn and well-loved. As vegetarianism gained ground and eating habits become healthier, it was time for a new edition. This update has the heft of the original, plus more health-conscious recipes and modern flavor. It's perfect for the fledgling vegetarian, and anyone who wants to embark on more veg-centric fare.

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Word from the Respected Wise: 'The Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without'
One of the biggest names in vegetarian cookery is Mollie Katzen. Her name extends well beyond the green halls of veggiedom. She's been listed by the New York Times as one of the best-selling cookbook authors of all time, and a few years ago, she entered the James Beard Cookbook Hall of Fame. With clout like that, how can the vegetable dishes she can't live without not be on this list?

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The Minimalist Message: 'How to Cook Everything Vegetarian'
He might not be a vegetarian or vegan -- only adopting a "vegan before 6 p.m." plan -- but Mark Bittman is one of the beloved names in the foodie world. He's also a food writer adept at putting together books so dense with information, they could hold down a hot-air balloon. This 900-plus-page cookbook merges Bittman's well-rounded culinary know-how with the wide, meat-free world of vegetables.

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Recipes From a Veggie Hot Spot: 'Fresh at Home'
There are those foodie haunts that are loved by the like-minded, and those beloved by all. Toronto's Fresh is one of those vegetarian hot spots that's always jam-packed with vegans, vegetarians and omnivores, all hungry for the latest meat-free dishes. This first cookbook from this establishment reveals the secrets behind many of the restaurant's beloved dishes, while offering up irresistible alternatives to a lot of typical tastes -- a book perfect for concocting the perfectly filling veg dish as much as a guide to the flairs of vegetarian cooking.

Slashfood Review | Buy it on Amazon

Honorable Mention: "Cafe Flora Cookbook"

Refined Vegetarian Cooking: 'Great Chefs Cook Vegan'
Confining the ingredients list to meat-free fare doesn't exclude fine dining. Linda Long's contribution to the cookbook world grabbed famous chefs like Cat Cora and Jean-Georges Vongerichten and tasked them with the challenge of creating vegan fare. The result: a gorgeous book of gourmet eats ripe for those special at-home celebrations.

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