Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for the survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet. -Albert Einstein
I personally feel it is very important to eat as healthy as possible. That is one of the reasons I plant a garden. Although not everyone has that luxury to plant a garden, still there are so many fresh fruits and vegetables available in every American grocery store, there is ample opportunity to eat a healthy vegetarian diet.
Back in 1972 when I first became a vegetarian, the challenge was learning how to cook vegetarian meals. Therefore I am including the first cookbook that taught me the basics as a free pdf download (just click on link at bottom of post). Wishing you all a happy and healthy life. -V
click on link at bottom to download entire book in pdf format
The Hare Krsna Cookbook
1973 Bhaktivedanta Book Trust
Compiled by Krsna devi dasi and Sama devi dasi
“The Hare Krsna Cookbook”, originally published in 1973, was the first widely distributed book of vegetarian recipes, throughout the Movement. This was the book myself and many early devotees learned to cook from, and remains today my all time favorite cookbook, and is a constant companion in our kitchen. We offer the complete book on a PDF Format as a gift to all our readers this Holiday Season.
Dedication
Prasadam means mercy, and this Prasadam Cookbook is dedicated to the fountainhead of all mercy, the spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He is by nature kind to every living entity, but that ocean of mercy becomes fully visible in his devotees.
Srila Prabhupada has not given us some dry, canned philosophy to chew; he has given us the nectar for which we have sought so long: he has taught us how to render transcendental loving service to the Lord in all our daily activities. This book illustrates on of them.
The Process of Krsna Consciousness is usually described as one of singing, dancing and feasting. We have already demonstrated to the world how anyone can sing and dance to the holy names of God, Hare Krsna, and now, with the publication of this Prasadam Cookbook, we hope that the whole world will feast in honor of the Supreme Lord. That will make this world like Vrndavana, the transcendental abode of Krsna, where Krsna, Balarama and the monkeys visit every kitchen with thieving intend and bless the devotees with pure love of God. (Dedication from The Hare Krsna Cookbook)
Dwonload PDF Format 5.6MB The Hare KRSNA Cookbook
The Hare Krishna Movement 
May 25, 2025 @ 06:30:02
Dear Hare Krishna Community/ Information Desk,
Understanding the Hare Krishna movement’s dedication to ahimsa, I’m wondering if you could shed some light on why butter, ghee, and milk are included in the traditional recipes and cookbooks.
Looking forward to your reesponse!
Jan 19, 2026 @ 09:43:38
Hare Krishna Divija
Your question regarding ahimsa is a good one. I don’t post comments from our page very much anymore, I don’t want it to become like Facebook. They often just distract from Srila Prabhupads words.
Your Question:
” Understanding the Hare Krishna movement’s dedication to ahimsa, I’m wondering if you could shed some light on why butter, ghee, and milk are included in the traditional recipes and cookbooks.
It is because we are cooking for Krishna. We offer foodstuffs that Krishna likes.
As you probably know Krishna was acting like a cowherd boy in Vrindavan, and he taught by His personal example how the cows and bulls were protected and utilized.
Krishna was also known as “the butter thief” and there are many pastimes where the gopis are churning milk into yogurt and butter. How the bulls were used in agriculture, were worshiped, and protected. Also when the milk is taken from the cow there is no harm to the animale, there is no violence. The cow is honored like our mother, and she feeds us from her breast
“…the Mother of all ingredients is milk, and all its glorious byproducts. Today we’ll begin an exploration of ghee, which is one of the final foodstuffs derived from processing milk. Cow’s milk is said to possess the essential sap of all plants, and ghee is a most valued derivation of that nutritious stuff. The clear golden liquid known as ghee is the crown jewel of oils, and is one of Srimati Radharani’s most favored ingredients.”
Yours was a good question and I have decided to post it.
Best wishes
Vyasasan das