The Levantine Vegetarian: Recipes from the Middle East

Hage’s (Middle Eastern Sweets) latest cookbook focuses on the cuisines of the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea, with nods to the region’s cultural history and creative recipes foretelling an even bigger and more delectable culinary future. Hage offers brilliant takes on classics, such as baba ghanoush, hummus, and muhammara, plus other daily recipes as well as celebratory ones. There are some ingredients (think grape molasses) that might require a trip to a Middle Eastern grocery store or an online retailer, but many of these are long-lasting, shelf-stable products that are well worth adding to any pantry for future gustatory adventures in the Levant. Plus, most recipes are made with pantry staples and other ingredients easily found in U.S. grocery stores. Some of the recipes come with historical context, like the samosa’s recipe note that shows the complexity of food histories and origins. Hage digs deep into the history and culture behind the recipes in ways sure to whet readers’ appetites.