One Sentence Summary
Discover the vibrant cuisine of Jerusalem with Yotam Ottolenghi’s “Jerusalem: A Cookbook”, an introduction to the complexities of the local cuisine and an exploration of its unique flavors.
Book Genre
cookbook, cuisine, travel
Main Topic of the Book
This cookbook delves deep into the unique cuisine of Jerusalem—from its history and influences to its different flavors and regional specialties.
Key Ideas
- Traditional Palestinian recipes: Learn about the culinary traditions and flavors of the Palestinian people and their impact on modern-day Jerusalem cuisine.
- Influence of foreign cultures: Discover how the flavours of other cultures in the Middle East have been integrated into Jerusalem cuisine over time.
- Religious feasts: Understand the religious feasts of various cultures in the city and how they affect the traditional cuisine.
- Mixed ethnicity: Explore the variety of ethnicities and cultures in the city and how they have contributed to the culinary landscape.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
Introduction
In the introduction, Yotam Ottolenghi outlines the history and complexity of Jerusalem cuisine, detailing the many influences it has encountered over time—spanning the Middle Eastern, European, and African diasporas.
Essentials
The Essentials section focuses on the flavors and ingredients at the heart of Jerusalem cuisine, such as fragrant spices and traditional condiments.
Mezze
Mezze is the traditional Serving of small dishes traditionally eaten in social gatherings in the region. Included in this section are recipes for popular staples like Fattoush salad and pigeon pies.
Salads
Salads make up an integral part of the Jerusalem food culture. From the classic Israeli salad to beetroot and diced carrot salads, this chapter introduces a variety of salads to the reader.
Bread Baked
This section takes a close look at the bread baked in Jerusalem, from crispy flatbreads to sweet and nutty filo pastries.
Heart of the Meal: Meat & Poultry
This chapter offers recipes for spiced lamb kibbeh, roast chicken infused with Middle Eastern flavors, and other dishes to diversify your traditional meal lineup.
Vegetables and Grains
This section covers Jerusalem favorites such as stuffed pumpkins, bulgur wheat with fried onions, cockerels in a tagine-style stew, and more.
Sweets and Desserts
Complete your meal with treats such as date-filled cookies, delicious cheesecakes, and different types of baklava.
Key Takeaways
- Learn about the history and origins of Jerusalem cuisine and its influences from other cultures in the region.
- Discover different flavors and ingredients used in the city’s traditional dishes.
- Explore the religious feasts of cultures in the city and how they affect the food enjoyed.
- Find out how the variety of ethnicities in the city have contributed to the mix of local flavor.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Yotam Ottolenghi is a renowned chef, best-selling author, and food columnist renowned for bringing Middle Eastern food to the Western world. Born in Jerusalem, he crafted his cooking style from both his native culture as well as during his studies in London. Yotam is well-known for his popular cookbooks, television shows, delis, and restaurants.
Target Audience
This cookbook is suitable for anyone looking to discover and explore the flavors of Jerusalem cuisine, from the novice cook to the avid foodie.
Publisher and First Publication Date
This cookbook was published by Ten Speed Press in 2012.