Jerusalem: A Cookbook

Cover of Jerusalem: A Cookbook

Jerusalem: A Cookbook is a culinary book authored by Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, published in 2012. The book explores the diverse and rich culinary traditions of Jerusalem, a city with a complex tapestry of cultures and histories.

Background

Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, authors of the cookbook

Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, both born in Jerusalem, bring their unique perspectives to the book. Ottolenghi is of Jewish descent, while Tamimi is Palestinian. Their collaboration reflects the multicultural nature of the city and its cuisine. The cookbook is a celebration of the flavors and dishes that define Jerusalem's culinary landscape.

Content

The cookbook contains over 120 recipes, each accompanied by vivid photographs and personal anecdotes from the authors. The recipes are organized into sections such as vegetables, meats, fish, and desserts, showcasing the variety of ingredients and techniques used in Jerusalem's kitchens.

Vegetables

Jerusalem's cuisine is known for its use of fresh vegetables and herbs. The cookbook features recipes like roasted butternut squash with tahini and za'atar, and a vibrant fattoush salad.

Meats

Meat dishes in the book include lamb shawarma, chicken with cardamom rice, and kofta. These recipes highlight the use of spices and marinades that are characteristic of Middle Eastern cooking.

Fish

Fish recipes such as chermoula-marinated fish and fish cakes in tomato sauce reflect the influence of Mediterranean flavors in Jerusalem's cuisine.

Desserts

The dessert section includes sweet treats like mutabbaq, a pastry filled with cheese and syrup, and the famous baklava.

Cultural Significance

Jerusalem: A Cookbook not only provides recipes but also delves into the cultural and historical context of the dishes. The authors share stories of their childhoods in Jerusalem, offering insights into the city's diverse communities and their culinary traditions.

Impact

Since its publication, Jerusalem: A Cookbook has received critical acclaim and has been credited with popularizing Middle Eastern cuisine in the Western world. It has won several awards and has inspired home cooks and chefs alike to explore the flavors of Jerusalem.

Related pages

• Yotam Ottolenghi
• Sami Tamimi
• Middle Eastern cuisine
• Jerusalem