Looking to explore the flavors of the Middle East? Discover the 8 Best Middle East Cookbooks & Recipe Books that will transport you to a world of aromatic spices and mouthwatering dishes. From traditional recipes to modern twists, these books offer a culinary journey through the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. Unleash your inner chef and savor the delights of Middle Eastern cuisine. Get ready to embark on a flavorful adventure!
Top 8 Middle East Cookbooks
Here is the list of Middle East Cookbooks
- Jerusalem: A Cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi – Best Overall
- Cooking in Iran by Najmieh Batmanglij – Editor’s Choice
- Vegan Recipes from the Middle East by Parvin Razavi – Best for Vegans
- The New Persian Kitchen by Louisa Shafia – Best for Persian Cuisine
- Falastin by Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley – Best for Palestinian Cuisine
- Persiana: Recipes from the Middle East & Beyond by Sabrina Ghayour – Best for Variety
- Eat, Habibi, Eat! by Shahir Massoud – Best for Egyptian Cuisine
- Essential Ottolenghi [Special Edition, Two-Book Boxed Set] by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi – Best Boxed Set
Jerusalem: A Cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi
“Jerusalem: A Cookbook” by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi is our Best Overall pick for Middle Eastern cookbooks. This gem offers 120 mouthwatering recipes that capture the essence of Jerusalem’s diverse culinary landscape. Born on opposite sides of the divided city, Ottolenghi and Tamimi bring their unique perspectives to create a cookbook that transports you to another place and time. The vibrant flavors, bold ingredients, and personal anecdotes make this cookbook a must-have for anyone looking to explore the rich cuisine of Jerusalem. From sumac-spiced fatoush to roast chicken with clementines, you’ll be left craving more.
Cooking in Iran by Najmieh Batmanglij
Our Editor’s Choice, “Cooking in Iran” by Najmieh Batmanglij, is a culinary masterpiece that takes you on a journey through Iran’s diverse regional cuisines. With over 250 recipes and 400 stunning photographs, this cookbook is a treasure trove of flavors and techniques. Batmanglij spent three years traveling across Iran, discovering dishes and variations she had never encountered before. From the Washington Post, she’s been called the “grande dame of Iranian cooking”. This cookbook is perfect for those looking to expand their culinary horizons and explore the rich, vibrant flavors of Iran.
Vegan Recipes from the Middle East by Parvin Razavi
“Vegan Recipes from the Middle East” by Parvin Razavi is our top pick for Best Vegan Middle Eastern Cookbook. This delightful book offers a variety of dishes that blend natural culinary delights from Iran, Armenia, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, and Turkey. With warm and spicy stuffed vegetables, cool and fragrant soups, delicate preserves, pilafs, breads, pickles, relishes, and pastries, this cookbook is a treasure trove for vegans looking to explore Middle Eastern cuisine. Iran-born Parvin Razavi, a food blogger and editor of Biorama, a sustainable lifestyle magazine, has created a beautiful vegan cookbook that showcases the reverence for vegetables in Middle Eastern cooking.
The New Persian Kitchen by Louisa Shafia
“The New Persian Kitchen” by Louisa Shafia is our choice for Best Persian Cuisine Cookbook. This contemporary take on Iranian cuisine features 75 recipes that blend traditional Persian dishes with modern reinterpretation. Shafia’s book is a joy to read, with visually appealing dishes and easy-to-follow steps. The author explores Persian cuisine with a fresh perspective, using classic ingredients like rose petals, dried limes, tamarind, and sumac in both traditional and innovative ways. From Turmeric Chicken with Sumac and Lime to Pomegranate Semifreddo with Blood Orange Compote, this cookbook is perfect for those looking to dive into the rich flavors of Persian cuisine.
Falastin by Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley
“Falastin” by Sami Tamimi and Tara Wigley is our pick for Best Palestinian Cuisine Cookbook. This beautiful book is a love letter to Palestinian food, featuring over 120 recipes that showcase the rich flavors and vibrant culture of the region. The authors spent time with Palestinian chefs and home cooks, collecting stories and recipes that make this cookbook a must-have for anyone interested in exploring the diverse culinary landscape of Palestine. Approachable and visually stunning, “Falastin” offers dishes like hummus two ways, kofta, and aubergine, ensuring a delicious and authentic experience for readers.
Persiana: Recipes from the Middle East & Beyond by Sabrina Ghayour
“Persiana: Recipes from the Middle East & Beyond” by Sabrina Ghayour is our choice for Best for Variety. This award-winning cookbook features over 100 flavorful and mouthwatering recipes that showcase the diverse culinary landscape of the Middle East. Sabrina Ghayour, a talented chef, food writer, and instructor, has simplified Middle Eastern cooking, making it accessible and easy to prepare at home. From Lamb & Sour Cherry Meatballs to Spiced Carrot, Pistachio & Coconut Cake with Rosewater Cream, this cookbook offers a delightful mix of traditional and innovative dishes that cater to various tastes and preferences.
Eat, Habibi, Eat! by Shahir Massoud
“Eat, Habibi, Eat!” by Shahir Massoud is our pick for Best Egyptian Cuisine Cookbook. This vibrant cookbook features 100 recipes that celebrate the bold flavors, bright colors, and fresh tastes of the Middle East, with a focus on modern Egyptian cooking. Massoud, a Canadian-Egyptian chef and television host, shares his culinary journey and family memories throughout the book, making it a delightful and engaging read. From Seared Falafel Burgers to innovative takes on traditional dishes, “Eat, Habibi, Eat!” encourages home cooks to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Egyptian cuisine.
Essential Ottolenghi [Special Edition, Two-Book Boxed Set] by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi
![Essential Ottolenghi [Special Edition, Two-Book Boxed Set] by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi](https://eqmfkhqeybj.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/8-32.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=90&webp=90&avif=75&ssl=1)
“Essential Ottolenghi [Special Edition, Two-Book Boxed Set]” by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi is our pick for Best Boxed Set. This deluxe set includes the beloved New York Times bestselling cookbooks “Plenty More” and “Ottolenghi Simple,” now in paperback for the first time. With over 280 recipes spanning every meal, from breakfast to dessert, these visually stunning books showcase Ottolenghi’s trademark Middle Eastern-inspired, vegetable-centric cooking. The set is perfect for fans of Ottolenghi’s unique approach to food and those looking to expand their culinary repertoire with bold flavors and innovative dishes.
Final Say So!
Our top 8 Middle East Cookbooks & Recipe Books offer a diverse and flavorful journey through the region’s rich culinary heritage. From traditional dishes to modern twists, these cookbooks will inspire you to unleash your inner chef and explore the aromatic spices and mouthwatering flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. So, grab your apron and embark on a delicious adventure with these must-have cookbooks!
