Salma Hage

This book is one of my current favourites - the recipes I've tried have all been delicious, and it's easy to find something to cook that suits my mood, energy level, skill and the contents of the fridge and cupboard. The index is terrific. The recipes are: Basic Recipes (spice mixes, sauces and stocks), Mezze and Salads, Soups, Fish, Meat, Vegetables, Breads and Pastries, Desserts, Drinks, Pickles and Jams, and a section of recipes from Guest Chefs. I've been sticking to the first six sections most happily, with longer term plans to delve into Desserts and Breads. Right now I'm most pleased with the Pomegranate dressing, Seven Spice mixture (an ingredient in a great number of the recipes), Butternut Squash Stew, and Chickpea Jedha. I can use this book in just the way I like - to carefully and precisely follow the recipe if I wish, or to read for inspiration and then make it up as I go along. Wonderful.… (mehr)