The Food And Cooking Of Lebanon Jordan And Syria

The three countries that make up the Fertile Crescent, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, share many culinary traditions and are justifiably famous for their exquisite and complex cuisines. Once all part of the Ottoman Empire, the countries are bound by a common language and ancient cultural heritage, but they also have distinct regional dishes influenced by the vibrant tapestry of ethnic groups and the amazing array of local ingredients, spices and flavourings. Located in the eastern Mediterranean, this region has benefited from the wonderful natural resources of land and sea. The culture is ancient, absorbing many influences throughout its history of invasion and foreign rule, all of which have contributed to a cuisine rich in variety and taste. This beautiful book presents a mouth-watering selection of classic regional recipes. The world-renowned favourites are all present, with tempting mezze dishes and richly roasted meats and baked fish, as well as spiced couscous and rice dishes. There are also less known, but equally delicious recipes to discover such as Armenian Jewelled Bulgur, White Bean Puree with Feta and Olives, Grilled Fish with dates, and Braised Rabbit with Aubergines. A meal from these countries is often completed with little sweets, and here you can learn how to prepare Stuffed Red Date Preserve, Sweet Pancakes with Scented Syrup, Little Walnut Cakes and Lebanese Coffee with Cardamom. An evocative introduction looks at the impact of history, geography, climate, religion and festivities on the foods and how these influences have created such different dishes across the region. With more than 600 sumptuous specially commissioned photographs, this inspiring book captures the essence of Lebanese, Syrian and Jordanese cooking, and offers you the chance to explore a rich and varied cuisine in your own kitchen.

Discover the rich, varied and aromatic food of the Fertile Crescent in this beautiful cookbook.

A beautiful and detailed journey into the food of the middle east, from the awardwinning cook and traveler, gorgeously photographed throughout

Located in the very heart of the eastern Mediterranean, the area comprising Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan has provided the world with what is considered by many to be Arab food at its best. In this landmark, one-of-a-kind volume Sonia Uvezian gives this time-honored cuisine the kind of presentation it truly deserves. "Recipes and Remembrances from an Eastern Mediterranean Kitchen" is a revelatory work rich in personal reminiscences; insightful quotations, anecdotes, and proverbs; valuable information on ingredients, utensils, daily meals, and traditions; and evocative period illustrations. Sonia Uvezian's many memories and associations establish a sense of place and emotional pull rarely encountered in Middle Eastern culinary literature. The "eastern Mediterranean Kitchen" in the title is actually that of her family's summer home in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon's fertile agricultural and winemaking region, as well as the one in their Beirut apartment. It is where the Uvezians prepared the food they grew themselves or bought from nearby farms, orchards, and markets. Written by an expert in the field and over two decades in the making, "Recipes and Remembrances" is a fascinating and highly original book imbued with a keen historical perspective and a deep respect for the region's cultural heritage. Few cookbook authors have approached their subjects with the thorough, painstaking research reflected in this work. A profound understanding of eastern Mediterranean food shines through in its hundreds of superb, clearly written recipes, which are often preceded by illuminating introductory remarks. From the definitive section on pomegranates and pomegranate molasses through the fabulous chapters on desserts and beverages, this book provides indispensable reading for anyone interested in the cookery and culture of Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. Like the author's groundbreaking classics, "The Cuisine of Armenia" and "Cooking from the Caucasus," which were among the first to bring Middle Eastern and Caucasian cooking to America, it is long on such traditional dishes as tabbuleh and baklava but also includes innovations, among them Damascus-Style Cheese Dip with Toasted Sesame Seeds and Nigella and Grilled Quail with Sour Cherry Sauce. Timeless and timely, "Recipes and Remembrances from an Eastern Mediterranean Kitchen" is a welcome blend of outstanding scholarship and entertaining reading. A genuine contribution to culinary literature, it has achieved the status of a classic. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sonia Uvezian was born and brought up in Beirut, Lebanon. A leading authority on Middle Eastern and Caucasian cooking and the winner of a James Beard Award, she is the author of six other highly acclaimed cookbooks, including "The Cuisine of Armenia," "Cooking from the Caucasus," and "The Book of Yogurt." Several of her books have been selections of Book-of-the-Month Club and published internationally. Ms. Uvezian has also contributed articles and recipes to Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Vogue, and numerous other publications."

Photography by: Najah Shuqair Photo edited by: Joseph Davis Castleberry Seniet Baqlawah Bel Fostoq El Halabi (Baklava tray) Phyllo dough brushed with warm butter, stacked in layers separated in the middle by pistachio filling. Syrup poured while it is still hot. Baklava is so yummy! 50% of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go toward the Women's Interval Home of Sarnia Lambton Inc.

Praise for the author: "The food transcends some of the traditions in presentation but remains authentic in taste." -- the "New York Times" on Greg Malouf's restaurant, MoMo

The world has failed Syria’s refugees and some of the world’s wealthiest countries have turned their backs on this humanitarian disaster. Syria’s neighbours—Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq—have together absorbed more than 3.8 million refugees. The need for food relief is great and growing. Acclaimed chefs and cookbook authors from all corners of the world have come together to help food relief efforts to alleviate the suffering of Syrian refugees. Each has contributed a recipe to this beautifully illustrated cookbook of delicious soups. Contributors include: Joe Barza, Mark Bittman, Anthony Bourdain, Sally Butcher, Alexis Couquelet, Aglaia Kremenzi, Carolyn Kumpe, Greg Malouf, Yotam Ottolenghi, Claudia Roden, Ana Sortun, Sami Tamimi, Alice Waters, Paula Wolfert, and many others. Profits from the sale of this cookbook will be donated to help fund food relief efforts to Syrian refugees.