Under the Shade of Olive Trees

Book excerpt: Discover irresistible flavors from across the Arabic world with this cookbook exploring the region’s exquisite cuisine with more than 100 recipes. Dutch writers and cooks Nadia Zerouali and Merijn Tol are in love with the culture and foods of the Mediterranean-Arabian world. They set out on a journey that took them across Morocco and Tunisia, Syria and Lebanon, Sicily and Spain, to experience the rich, exotic flavors of the Middle East. Here, they unpack the secrets to the region’s healthful and intensely flavorful food. They teach the reader about the ingredients—from orange blossom and honey to coriander and argan oil—and how to use them to maximize taste. The region’s food comes alive with color, as illustrated by the luscious photographs that accompany the more than 100 recipes. But it is the taste and texture of the foods that will win readers’ hearts: creamy labne, sweet pomegranate, flaky filo pastry, silky hummus. There are whole grains, such as simple summer bulgur salads and vegetable couscous, and tricks for preparing meat to be as flavorful as possible. Easy enough for cooking novices, Under the Shade of Olive Trees will transport readers to a magical, delicious region of the world.