From the Lands of Figs and Olives: Over 300 Delicious and Unusual Recipes from the Middle East and North Africa (Paperback)

by Habeeb Salloum (Author), James Peters (Author), Lynn Peterfreund (Illustrator), Neal Cassidy (Photographer)
Key Phrases: cup finely chopped fresh coriander, serve hot with cooked rice, raw kibbeh, Middle Eastern, North Africa, North America (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
For those cooks who already possess a solid knowledge of Middle Eastern and North African cooking, Salloum and Peters go one step further. They feature some rather esoteric dishes of cultural interest. Even if these offerings are not the most appealing selections for a menu plan, they provide a more complete view of the overall fare. And although all the popular, traditional dishes, such as hummus, are included, a variety of recipes allows for comparisons. Syrian and Lebanese versions might be featured alongside Palestinian and Jordanian recipes for a similar dish, illustrating different seasonings or ingredients peculiar to the region mentioned in the respective recipes. With fare from Algeria to Yemen, Salloum and Peters offer plenty of possibilities for engaging culinary adventures. Alice Joyce --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
Over 300 recipes from countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa provide a strong representation of cultural influences and unusual dishes. From an elaborate Moroccan Pie packed with onion, almonds, cinnamon and chicken to Eggplant and Cheese Casserole, this is a lovely regional guide to the area's finest dishes for experienced cooks. -- Midwest Book Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Interlink Publishing Group; Rev Upd edition (November 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156656414X
• ISBN-13: 978-1566564144
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #575,714 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #47 in	Books > Cooking, Food & Wine > Regional & International > African
  #72 in	Books > Cooking, Food & Wine > Regional & International > Middle Eastern

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best I've found, April 15, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: From the Lands of Figs and Olives: Over 300 Delicious & Unusual Recipes from the Middle East (Paperback)

This is an amazing book! I have been able to recreate dishes that I ate as a child. There are excellent traditional recipes for Lebanese, Egyptian and Palestinian/Jordanian food. Also included are several versions of the same recipe with regional differences which is a rare treat for those with more experience and knowledge of middle eastern food. A must have.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Cross-Section of Middle Eastern Cuisine, February 5, 2002

By	Wendy A. B. Whipple (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a great cookbook, with anecdotal information that makes it feel like you're sitting down with the authors over hot Turkish coffee, reminiscing about their travels.

Each recipe has the country/ies of origin, and what it's called in Arabic (which could come in very handy next time you're in a Middle Eastern restaurant!). The instructions are clear, and it has a great index.

My one complaint is that it has only a few photos. I like to know what it's supposed to look like when I'm trying a new recipe. I know that's not a deterrent for many cooks, but for those of you like me, that is a drawback. The varied selections and the cultural tidbits between the covers more than make up for that lack, though, and I recommend this cookbook heartily.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars for those who love to cook or plainly just love to eat, September 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: From the Lands of Figs and Olives: Over 300 Delicious and Unusual Recipes from the Middle East and North Africa (Hardcover)

Excellent and easy to follow directions have made me a gourmet cook from all of the recipes I've tried. There are a myriad of recipes and selections for anyone who loves to cook and of course, for anyone who loves to eat. The variety of dishes gives one an excellent view of the palate of the Arab world and the preparation instructions make one a gourmet cook each time a recipe is made. Excellent results from an encyclopediatic recipe collection! No kitchen should be without it!