Are you craving the flavors of sun-kissed Mediterranean cuisine? Look no further! We’ve curated a delightful list of the 14 best Mediterranean cookbooks that are taking the culinary world by storm in 2023. With their tantalizing recipes and vibrant dishes, these cookbooks will transport you to the shores of Greece, Italy, Spain, and beyond. So, get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey like no other!
“Jerusalem: A Cookbook” by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi
“Jerusalem: Mediterranean Cookbooks” is a highly acclaimed cookbook written by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, two chefs who were born and raised in Jerusalem but who come from different cultural backgrounds (Ottolenghi is Jewish and Tamimi is Palestinian). The book celebrates the vibrant and diverse food culture of Jerusalem, which is shaped by centuries of immigration and the fusion of different culinary traditions.
The book includes more than 120 recipes, ranging from traditional Middle Eastern dishes to modern interpretations of classic recipes. The authors also share personal stories and memories of growing up in Jerusalem, as well as insights into the city’s complex history and cultural landscape.
Some of the most popular recipes in the book include:
- Shakshuka: A classic Middle Eastern dish of eggs poached in a spiced tomato sauce
- Mejadra: A comforting dish of lentils and rice, flavored with caramelized onions and spices
- Chicken with Carmelized Onion and Cardamom Rice: A fragrant and flavorful one-pot meal
- Hummus Kawarma: A twist on the classic hummus, topped with spiced lamb and pine nuts
- Stuffed Artichokes: A delicious vegetarian dish, filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs.
The recipes in “Jerusalem: A Cookbook” are design to be accessible to home cooks of all levels, with clear instructions and beautiful photography that showcases the vibrant colors and textures of the dishes. The book has been praise for its innovative and delicious recipes, as well as its celebration of the diverse food culture of Jerusalem.
“Mediterranean: Naturally Nutritious Recipes from the World’s Healthiest Diet” by Susie Theodorou
” Mediterranean Cookbooks: Naturally Nutritious Recipes from the World’s Healthiest Diet” is a cookbook write by Susie Theodorou that focuses on the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet is know for its emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods, lean protein, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. This diet has been link to numerous health benefits, including lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
The book features over 100 recipes that are based on the principles of the Mediterranean diet, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, flavorful preparations. The recipes are organized into chapters based on the different food groups, such as vegetables, grains, seafood, and meat. Each recipe is accompanied by a full-color photograph and detailed nutritional information.
Some of the most popular recipes in the book include:
- Grilled Halloumi Salad with Watermelon and Mint: A refreshing salad that combines the salty, tangy flavor of halloumi cheese with sweet watermelon and fresh mint.
- Moroccan-Spiced Chicken with Quinoa: A flavorful one-pan meal that features tender chicken and nutty quinoa, season with a blend of Moroccan spices.
- Whole-Grain Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil: A simple and satisfying pasta dish that showcases the bright flavors of ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.
- Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Dill: A healthy and delicious way to prepare salmon, with a bright and tangy lemon-dill sauce.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey and Pistachios: A creamy and indulgent dessert that combines tangy Greek yogurt with sweet honey and crunchy pistachios.
In addition to the recipes, the book also includes an introduction to the Mediterranean diet, as well as tips for stocking a Mediterranean pantry and cooking techniques for achieving the best flavor and nutrition from your ingredients.
“Plenty: Vibrant Vegetable Recipes from London’s Ottolenghi” by Yotam Ottolenghi
“Mediterranean Cookbooks” is a popular cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi that celebrates the versatility and flavor of vegetables. The book is filled with over 120 vegetarian recipes that are inspired by Ottolenghi’s Middle Eastern heritage and his love of Mediterranean and Asian flavors.
The recipes in “Plenty” are organized by vegetable, with each chapter focusing on a different ingredient, such as eggplant, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes. The recipes are designed to be both visually stunning and full of bold, vibrant flavors. Each recipe is accompanied by a full-color photograph and detailed instructions, making it easy for home cooks of all levels to create delicious and impressive vegetarian dishes.
Some of the most popular recipes in the book include:
- Sweet Potato Cakes with Lime and Sour Cream: A flavorful and satisfying vegetarian main course that features sweet potatoes, ginger, and lime.
- Mushroom and Herb Polenta: A comforting and hearty dish that combines creamy polenta with sautéed mushrooms and fresh herbs.
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Melting Taleggio: A rich and indulgent vegetarian dish that is perfect for a special occasion or dinner party.
- Roasted Eggplant with Buttermilk Sauce: A simple and elegant vegetarian side dish that highlights the creamy, smoky flavor of roasted eggplant.
- Caramelize Fennel with Goat Cheese: A flavorful and elegant vegetarian appetizer that combines caramelized fennel with tangy goat cheese and balsamic vinegar.
“Plenty” has been praised for its innovative and delicious recipes, as well as its focus on using vegetables in creative and unexpected ways. The book is a must-have for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet or to explore the vibrant and diverse flavors of vegetarian cuisine.
“The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook” by America’s Test Kitchen
“The Complete Mediterranean Cookbooks” by America’s Test Kitchen is a comprehensive cookbook that offers over 500 recipes that are inspire by the flavors and traditions of the Mediterranean region. The book is design to be a comprehensive guide to the Mediterranean diet, which is know for its emphasis on whole, unprocessed foods, lean protein, healthy fats, and a variety of fruits and vegetables.
The book begins with an introduction to the Mediterranean diet, including its health benefits and the principles of the diet. The authors provide information on the various foods that are commonly eat in the Mediterranean, as well as tips for shopping, meal planning, and cooking techniques.
The recipes in “The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook” are organized such as course, with chapters dedicated to appetizers, salads, soups, meat and poultry, seafood, vegetables, grains, and desserts. Each recipe is accompanied by a full-color photograph and detailed instructions, as well as nutritional information and tips for making the dish ahead of time or adapting it to suit different dietary needs.
Moreover”The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook” is a great resource for anyone looking to explore the delicious and healthy cuisine of the Mediterranean.
“The New Mediterranean Table: Modern and Rustic Recipes Inspired by Traditions Spanning Three Continents” by Sameh Wadi
“The New Mediterranean Cookbooks: Modern and Rustic Recipes Inspired by Traditions Spanning Three Continents” by Sameh Wadi is a cookbook that celebrates the diverse and flavorful cuisine of the Mediterranean region. Wadi, a chef and restaurateur with roots in Palestine and Israel, draws on his multicultural background to create a collection of recipes that fuse traditional Mediterranean ingredients and techniques with contemporary flavors and cooking methods.
The book is organize into chapters that focus on specific ingredients, such as olives, herbs, and spices, and each chapter features recipes that showcase the versatility and complexity of these ingredients. Wadi also provides background information on the history and culinary traditions of each ingredient, offering insights into the cultural and social significance of food in the Mediterranean region.
Some of the standout recipes in “The New Mediterranean Table” include:
- Grilled Eggplant with Tahini and Pomegranate Seeds: A flavorful and healthy vegetarian appetizer that features tender grilled eggplant, tangy tahini sauce, and sweet-tart pomegranate seeds.
- Za’atar and Lemon Roasted Chicken: A delicious and easy-to-prepare main course that combines succulent roasted chicken with the bright and zesty flavors of za’atar and lemon.
- Grilled Lamb Chops with Harissa and Mint: A flavorful and aromatic dish that showcases the bold flavors of North African harissa and fresh mint, served alongside juicy grilled lamb chops.
- Sea Bass with Sumac and Fennel: A simple and elegant seafood dish that highlights the tangy and slightly sour flavor of Sumac, paired with tender, flaky sea bass and fresh fennel.
- Almond and Orange Blossom Semolina Cake: A moist and fragrant dessert that combines the nutty sweetness of almonds with the delicate floral notes of orange blossom water.
“Mediterranean Grains and Greens: A Book of Savory, Sun-Drenched Recipes” by Paula Wolfert
“Mediterranean Cookbooks: A Book of Savory, Sun-Drenched Recipes” by Paula Wolfert is a cookbook that focuses on the flavorful and healthy cuisine of the Mediterranean region, with an emphasis on grains and greens. Wolfert, a renowned cookbook author, and expert on Mediterranean cuisine, draws on her travels and research to create a collection of recipes that showcase the rich and diverse flavors of the region.
The book is organize into chapters that highlight different types of grains and greens, such as couscous, bulgur, quinoa, and kale. Each chapter features a variety of recipes that showcase the versatility and deliciousness of these ingredients and includes tips and techniques for preparing them in different ways.
Some of the standout recipes in “Mediterranean Grains and Greens” include:
Freekeh with Preserved Lemon and Olives: A flavorful and healthy grain salad that combines nutty freekeh with tangy preserved lemon, briny olives, and fresh herbs.
Quinoa Tabbouleh with Grilled Vegetables: A colorful and vibrant salad that features protein-packed quinoa, grilled vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Chickpea and Spinach Stew with Feta: A hearty and satisfying vegetarian dish that combines tender chickpeas with nutrient-rich spinach and salty feta cheese.
Saffron Rice with Chicken and Pine Nuts: A fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is studd with juicy chicken, crunchy pine nuts, and aromatic saffron.
Swiss Chard and Feta Frittata: A simple and delicious breakfast or brunch dish that highlights the earthy flavors of Swiss chard and tangy feta cheese.
