Cuisine Cookbook

10 Authentic Middle East Cookbooks & Recipe Books

All cuisines of the world have their own unique features with their most popular dishes. If Italy is famous for its amazing pasta dishes, England is famous for fish and chips, when it comes to the Middle East, you may immediately think of the famous hummus.

But, of course, there will still be plenty more special for Middle Eastern dishes. Fresh, healthy, wholesome, rich, aromatic are the factors that have helped Middle Eastern cuisine’s global profile skyrocket over the past decade. Start creating vibrant and flavorful meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert with these 10 stunning Middle Eastern cookbooks.

The Essential Middle Eastern Cookbook: Classic Recipes Made Easy

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“An Amazing and Delicious Introduction to Middle Eastern Cooking! Great book with tasty recipes.”- Foo-Ling Yu

You can now recreate famous Middle Eastern dishes with vibrant flavors in your own kitchen with the Basic Middle East Cookbook. 100 classic and simple recipes will be included in this complete cookbook and bring the real taste of the world-influencing culinary area to your home dining table.

Try your hand at delectable dishes like Lebanese Chicken Fatteh, Spiced Beef Tagine, Tabbouleh, and homemade Pita Bread with Hummus. The ingredients in each recipe can be easily found at local grocery stores. Even so, the dishes retain their authentic taste and texture.

About the Author: Michelle Anderson is a writer and author of more than 30 cookbooks. She has spent more than 25 years working as a professional chef in fine dining restaurants across North Africa and Ontario, Canada. Michelle lives with her husband and two sons in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, Canada.

The Middle Eastern Kitchen: Authentic Dishes from the Middle East

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“A very nice addition to my collection of cookbooks. Most of the ingredients are readily available. Book has a color photo of all every recipe.”- Warren

From feta, honey, Turkey’s yogurt, and pomegranates to North Africa’s ras el hanout and rosewater have partly demonstrated the diversity of regional cuisines. The recipes have been designed to be simple enough that they can be combined for a quick, cozy, and flavor-packed weeknight dinner.

You will find 100 Middle Eastern recipes with simple step-by-step instructions for Meza, Meats, Rices, Vegetables, Breads, Stews, Tagines, Salads, Desserts, and more. In addition, the book also includes full-color photos of every dish along with cooking tips for every recipe.

About the author: This wonderful cookbook is the perfect combination of culinary essences from 3 authors: Rukmini Iyer, Pene Parker, and Becca Spry. They are all chefs experienced in processing, exploring, and wishing to bring the unique flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine to people all over the world.

Persiana: Recipes from the Middle East & beyond

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“Great cookbook. To look at, to read and to follow the recipes for the food they produce.”- David

Coming to this cookbook, you will enter a culinary and flavorful celebration from the regions near the South and East coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. You will have access to more than 100 recipes for Middle Eastern dishes that are modern and easy to make such as:

  • Lamb & Sour Cherry Meatballs
  • Chicken, Preserved Lemon & Olive Tagine
  • Blood Orange & Radicchio Salad
  • Persian Flatbread
  • Spiced Carrot, Pistachio & Coconut Cake with Rosewater Cream

About the Authors: Sabrina Ghayour is considered a star in the culinary field and is one of the strongest voices in Middle Eastern food today. She is a famous chef, culinary writer, and cooking teacher.

She has numerous works published in publications such as Delicious magazine, The Times, the Guardian, the Independent, the Telegraph, the Sunday Times, the Evening Standard, and BBC Good Food magazine. In particular, Sabrina also regularly appears on the BBC Good Food Show, Taste London, and more.

Feast In The Middle East: A Personal Journey of Family and Cuisine

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“Thank you for this colorful cookbook. I enjoyed the stories and the recipes”- Suzan Saoud

Born and raised in an Arab-American family, the author soon got a chance to approach traditional Arabic dishes. However, recipes were only passed by word of mouth and not recorded on any documents, so Blanche began a mission to preserve culture, documenting cooking methods and precise ingredients of these hundreds of year old recipes.  

The book not only shares these great recipes with the family but also with the world. You’ll find classic favorites, such as pomegranate molasses and roasted peppers, smoky Syrian Muhammara dip with walnuts, ”Warak Enab,” or Lebanese semolina custard scented with rosewater called ”Layali Lubnan” or ”Lebanese Nights.”

With the presented instructions, familiar techniques, and ingredients you can easily recreate delicious dishes in your kitchen.

About the Authors: Blanche Araj Shaheen is a famous cooking show host in the Middle East. She was also the first Arab American entertainment reporter to contribute to the live show ”View From the Bay.” In 2010, Blanche began to share her mother’s heirloom recipes and her grandmother kept on her own via YouTube.

In addition to her YouTube cooking lessons, Blanche’s Feast In the Middle East is featured on Virgin America Airlines.

The New Book of Middle Eastern Food: The Classic Cookbook, Expanded, and Updated, with New Recipes and Contemporary Variations on Old Themes

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“This book is awesome!! The author’s instructions are very easy to figure follow and most ingredients are easy to find.”- N. Brown

In this edition, the author has updated, enlarged, and recreated a classic work. In its early publication, the book was hailed as “a landmark in the field of cookery.” This new edition reflects the author’s accumulation of thirty years of travel as well as a collection of recipes and stories in the Middle East.

You will be provided with more than 800 recipes that Americans embrace today. From the tantalizing mezze, chopped salads, and stuffed morsels to the skewered meats and savory stews. All the ingredients are available in supermarkets, making it easy to create healthy, inexpensive, flavorful, and satisfying dishes.

About the Authors: Claudia Roden is a culinary writer born and raised in Cairo. After completing her education in Paris, she moved to London to study art.

In 1989, with her London Sunday Times Magazine series The Taste of Italy, Claudia won two of the most prestigious culinary awards in Italy, the Premio Orio Vergani and the Premio Maria Luigia, Duchessa di Parma.

Besides that, she has six Glenfiddich awards. In 1999, she not only won the Versailles Prize in France but was also awarded the Prince Claus Award by Prince Claus of the Netherlands. Currently, Claudia Roden lives in London.

Complete Middle Eastern Cookbook

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“Great resource of recipes that are middle eastern. Beautiful cloth cover and pictures throughout.”- Leslie Hojnacki

This best-selling cookbook is by far still a classic, in several languages. More than 500 classic dishes from eighteen countries (Armenia, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Iraq, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, and Afghanistan) have been highlighted to honor the flavors and cultures of this rich culinary region.

In this revised edition, you will also find some valuable and essential information on how to prepare and serve local food.

About the Authors: Tess Mallos is an author of many successful books and a talented chef who has been in the food industry for more than half her life. Besides, the author is also a consultant to food businesses and executes cooking programs.

Eating Out Loud: Bold Middle Eastern Flavors for All Day, Every Day: A Cookbook

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“Fresh, vibrant recipes that I’m very much looking forward to re-creating. It’s a fun cookbook that I’ve enjoyed so far. Also, incredible photography. The book is gorgeous too.”- Mr. Z

In “Eating Out Loud: Bold Middle Eastern Flavors for All Day, Every Day: A Cookbook,” the author introduces you to a whirlwind of delightful flavors.

The book will include recipes that are mixed and combined with simple, traditional ingredients in new ways such as roasted whole heads of broccoli topped with herbaceous yogurt and crunchy and a babka layered with chocolate and tahini and sticky with a salted sugar glaze.

About the author: Eden Grinshpan is a well-known chef, food personality, and host of Top Chef Canada. After earning a culinary degree at Le Cordon Bleu in London, she continues to pursue great flavors around the world across Europe, India, and Southeast Asia.

Eden participates as host and judge on numerous TV shows, including Log On and Eat with Eden Grinshpan and Chopped Canada. She currently lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter.

Saha: A Chef’s Journey Through Lebanon and Syria [Middle Eastern Cookbook, 150 Recipes]

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“I bought it and have started making the recipes! They are wonderful and top of that I have a beautiful picture book that I keep on my coffee table!”- Denise Mcshea

In the book “Saha: A Chef’s Journey Through Lebanon and Syria [Middle Eastern Cookbook, 150 Recipes],” you will be joining the journey of broad and influential cuisine. Greg and his writing partner Lucy Malouf embarks on a month-long culinary journey from neighboring Iran across the Mediterranean to North Africa.

The book includes hearty peasant dishes with more subtle spices from ancient palaces, the dishes with complex flavors but not too complicated to make at home. 

Authentic recipes include:

  • Spinach, Lentil, and Lemon Soup, Bedouin-style
  • Arabic Fish Stew with Lemon and Saffron and Hot Pepper Rouille
  • Lebanese Doughnuts with Lemon Syrup
  • Aleppo-style Sausage Rolls
  • Lamb Shawarma
  • Sambousek Pastries with Cheese and Leek
  • Double-cooked Duck with Cinnamon, Honey, Cardamom, and Mastic
  • Upside-down Poached Chicken and Eggplant Pilaf
  • Raspberry Turkish Delight Truffles
  • Turkish Coffee

About the authors: Greg Malouf was born in Melbourne, Australia. Before working internationally, the author took formal apprenticeships at some of Australia’s finest restaurants.

Greg has also contributed to the forge of a unique cooking style that combines Middle Eastern tradition with contemporary flair. He is currently working at Melbourne’s MoMo restaurant.

Lucy Malouf is known as a writer and editor in Melbourne. She often contributes to food magazines, major Australian newspapers, or even food and wine websites. Furthermore, Lucy also participates in restaurant reviews and writes for the leading Melbourne food guides.

The Middle Eastern Vegetarian Cookbook

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“Beautiful book! Have made several dishes and loved them all. Makes vegetarian delicious!”- Amazon Customer

Inspired by ancient ingredients from grassy olive oil to rich dates and fresh figs, this book presents a range of recipes for delicious breakfasts and drinks, vegetables and pulses, mezze and salads, grains and desserts.

The book brings you a collection of 150 traditional recipes that are flavourful, nutritious, and suitable for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. All of the dishes are simplified and made popular through easy-to-follow instructions. In particular, you can find a lot of vegan and gluten-free options.

About the author: Salma Hage is a Lebanese housewife and chef with over 50 years of experience in family cooking. She gained cooking experience from her mother, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law. Furthermore, Salma has many years as a cook and currently shares her time between Lebanon and London.

Levant: Recipes and memories from the Middle East

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“We have nearly all Anissa Helou’s recipe books. Great recipes, well written and cool photos!”- Clive Zickel

“Levant: Recipes and memories from the Middle East” bring you a selection of mouth-watering recipes inspired by Anissa’s family and childhood in Syria and Beirut.

This book includes 150 inspirational recipes for salads and mezze, meats, soups and sides, sweets, fish and vegetarian, preserves and breads. In addition, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for cooking success including:

  • Lemony Swiss Chard and Lentil Soup
  • Fried Eggs with Sumac
  • Kibbe Balls in Yoghurt Sauce
  • Cabbage and Tomato Salad
  • Sweet Pistachio Pie
  • Wild Chicory in Olive Oil with Caramelized Onion
  • Grilled Aubergines with Tahini Sauce
  • Turkish Cheese Pie
  • Lebanese Morning Bread
  • Halva
  • Milk Pudding

About the author: Anissa Helou is a journalist, writer, and broadcaster who was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon. She is also known as a talented photographer and an intrepid traveler. In particular, Helou is fluent in French, Arabic, and English. She also frequently appears on British television and radio.

Not only did Helou write many articles for the Weekend Financial Times, but also contributed to several other publications including the Chicago Tribune, the Gourmet, and the Washington Post. She currently lives in London and has her own cooking school (Anissa’s School).

We hope you like this post and finally find out your favorite Middle East cookbooks. Meanwhile, we welcome you to explore our site and discover more cookbook recommendations from the same cuisine below.

Doris Frasier

Hi. I'm Doris! I am a foodie that has traveled to 78 countries and loves trying cuisines from different countries. I try anything related to food and share my opinions on this blog. Send me a message with any requests!
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