10 Best-Selling Middle Eastern Cooking Books Millions Love

What if everything you knew about Middle Eastern flavors was reimagined through the lens of two chefs from Jerusalem’s divided yet intertwined communities? Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi bring you 120 recipes that reveal the rich culinary tapestry of their hometown, blending Muslim, Jewish, and Christian influences with bold vegetables and decadent desserts. You'll explore dishes like roasted eggplant with tahini and inventive salads that showcase their cross-cultural heritage. This book best suits cooks eager to deepen their grasp of authentic yet innovative Middle Eastern cooking, offering new techniques and fresh perspectives without overwhelming complexity.

Michael Solomonov, a multiple James Beard Award-winning chef, channels his deep connection to Israeli cuisine into this book, capturing the vibrant culinary traditions of Israel with a modern American twist. You learn authentic techniques to prepare mezze, from the famed fried cauliflower to an ethereal hummus and the iconic pink lentil soup with lamb meatballs, each recipe reflecting Israel's diverse cultural influences. The book suits home cooks eager to explore Middle Eastern flavors through accessible yet refined dishes, offering insights into ingredient substitutions and seasonal adaptations. Chapters like the one on Persian wedding rice reveal how Solomonov melds tradition with innovation, making this a practical guide for anyone wanting to bring the spirit of Israeli cooking into their kitchen.

This tailored book explores the vibrant world of Middle Eastern spices and culinary techniques, focusing on your unique interests and culinary background. It reveals how to combine aromatic spices like sumac, za'atar, and baharat with authentic cooking methods to unlock deeply satisfying flavors. By weaving together popular knowledge with your personal goals, the book offers a tailored journey through regional dishes, seasoning balances, and preparation secrets that bring Middle Eastern cuisine to life in your kitchen. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with each flavor profile and technique, making complex tastes accessible and exciting.

Ayla E Algar, a Mellon Lecturer in Turkish at UC Berkeley with deep roots in Turkey, offers you a journey through the rich flavors and history of Turkish cuisine. This book goes beyond mere recipes, presenting 175 dishes alongside cultural insights that reveal how humble peasant traditions and Ottoman palace cuisine intertwine. You learn to prepare everything from kebabs to baklava, with clear guidance on combining Mediterranean ingredients in authentic ways. If you’re drawn to exploring Middle Eastern food with both historical context and practical cooking know-how, this book will expand your culinary repertoire and deepen your appreciation for Turkish flavors.

After her extensive research into Middle Eastern culinary traditions, Claudia Roden developed a rich collection that goes beyond recipes to include the history and cultural context of the dishes. You’ll find detailed guidance on preparing both classic and modern Middle Eastern fare, with chapters exploring ingredients and cooking techniques unique to the region. Roden’s deep dive into the origins of foods like hummus and tabbouleh offers insights that deepen your appreciation and skill in the kitchen. This book suits anyone eager to understand not just how to cook these dishes, but why they matter, making it ideal for passionate home cooks and culinary historians alike.

Drawing from her deep connection to Israel's vibrant food culture, Adeena Sussman invites you into the heart of Tel Aviv’s bustling Carmel Market with "Sababa." This cookbook explores 125 recipes that showcase the fresh, bright flavors of Israeli cuisine, from Freekeh and Roasted Grape Salad to the indulgent Tahini Caramel Tart. You learn how to wield ingredients like tahini, sumac, and za'atar to create dishes that feel both accessible and authentically rooted in the region's diverse influences. If you want to bring the sunny spirit and culinary variety of Israel into your kitchen, this book offers an approachable yet flavorful guide.

This tailored book explores the vibrant flavors and techniques of Middle Eastern cooking through step-by-step meal plans designed to fit your unique taste and experience. It covers a thoughtfully personalized selection of fast, delicious dishes that reveal how to bring authentic regional ingredients and bold spices into your kitchen with ease. The book matches your background and culinary goals, providing a focused learning journey that captures the essence of the region’s diverse cuisine. Each meal plan balances tradition and practicality, encouraging you to experiment confidently with fresh flavors and textures. This personalized guide transforms how you approach Middle Eastern cooking, making it accessible and deeply satisfying.

Sherry Ansky, a respected authority on Israeli ethnic foods and a regular food columnist for Maariv, brings a rich cultural tapestry to this collection that goes beyond recipes. You learn not just to cook but to understand the diverse culinary heritage of Israel, from Yemenite breads to Sephardic fish dishes, blending Middle Eastern flavors with kosher traditions. The book offers detailed cooking techniques and vivid color photography, making it accessible whether you're exploring Israeli cuisine for the first time or deepening your expertise. If you appreciate food as a cultural story and enjoy hands-on cooking, this book fits neatly into your kitchen library.

When Rose Dosti first discovered the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, she set out to share authentic flavors from Iranian, Arabic, Greek, North African, and Israeli kitchens in one accessible volume. You’ll learn how to prepare a wide range of dishes, from appetizers and breads to meats and desserts, each offering a glimpse into diverse cultural palates. The book balances clarity with tradition, making it suitable if you want to expand your cooking repertoire with genuine recipes rather than simplified versions. This is ideal for home cooks eager to explore Middle Eastern cuisine beyond the usual staples and experience the region’s culinary depth.

What started as a deep curiosity about the rich culinary heritage of Palestine became an immersive journey for Yasmin Khan, a food writer and human rights campaigner who brings both passion and empathy to this collection. You’ll explore over 80 recipes that reveal not just flavors but stories—from the fragrant barahat spice blends in slow-cooked lamb to the bright mezze centered on fresh vegetables and olive oil. This book suits anyone eager to deepen their understanding of Middle Eastern ingredients and cooking traditions, with chapters that blend travel narrative and practical recipes. If you want more than just dishes—if you want context, culture, and connection—this book delivers.

Unlike most Middle Eastern cookbooks that focus on broad regional dishes, Sami Tamimi offers an intimate journey through Palestinian cuisine shaped by personal history and cultural upheaval. You learn not just recipes but the stories behind them, such as how displaced communities shared family secrets to preserve their culinary heritage, with chapters highlighting dishes from Gaza to Galilee. This book suits anyone eager to deepen their understanding of Palestine’s food culture through detailed recipes like Fish Kofta and Pulled-Lamb Schwarma Sandwich, combining rich tradition with accessible cooking techniques. It’s a culinary narrative that invites you to experience the land’s flavors as part of a living history, rather than a mere collection of dishes.

Paula Wolfert's decades of culinary exploration in Mediterranean cuisine led her to craft this extensive collection of Eastern Mediterranean recipes. You'll find 215 dishes that balance healthfulness with vibrant flavors, showcasing regional ingredients and traditional methods. The book delves into recipes ranging from mezze to hearty mains, emphasizing authenticity without sacrificing approachability. Whether you're a seasoned cook or simply curious about this rich culinary tradition, Wolfert's detailed instructions and cultural insights provide a nuanced understanding of Eastern Mediterranean cooking that goes beyond mere ingredients and techniques.