Arabesque: Modern Middle Eastern Food

by Greg Malouf, Lucy Malouf

Greg Malouf is widely admired as one of Australia’s most innovative and influential chefs. His passion for the food of his Lebanese heritage, combined with his extensive travels, have led him to forge a modern Middle Eastern cuisine. Arabesque, co-written with Lucy Malouf, is a much-loved guide to the food of the Middle East. From apricots to cous cous, pomegranates to silverbeet, this book welcomes the stars of Arabic cooking into the modern kitchen with descriptions of the history and the role the ingredients play, information on selecting and using them, and exciting recipes. The collection of 170 recipes is not slavish to tradition, but rather Greg’s modern takes on the food he has grown up with. Seven-Vegetable Couscous is served with Onion Jam and Green Harissa Broth, and Salmon Kibbeh Nayeh is served with Saffron Yoghurt Cheese. Arabesque is a volume to treasure and a cookbook to read and enjoy while discovering new experiences in the kitchen. It is a must for anyone interested in new flavours, techniques and culinary history, and is a source of inspiration for professional chefs, keen home cooks and gourmets alike.

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking

Hardcover

Published March 31, 2002

About the author

Greg Malouf was an Australian chef of Lebanese descent, author, and culinary consultant. He was known as a pioneer of modern Middle Eastern cuisine in Australia and for the influence that his work has had on Middle Eastern cuisine at large.

Reviews

[notgettingenough · Rating 3 out of 5]

My take on recipe books is that if a book gives me one good thing, one food parcel that adds to my life it's been worth it. Why should it not be worth $40, one fine recipe? This book passes that test, its baba ghannooj and tabbouleh are the best I've come across.

Still, there is something about this book that misses and I'm not sure what it is. I fancy blaming the book when it has lots in it I'm going to try but don't. If I get over that maybe I'll add a star or two.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my go-to cookbooks. I just love the combination of sweet and savory, and it always brings me back to Istanbul when I go through this. If you're interested in trying something off the beaten path, this is a great cookbook to look at.

[Barry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book - the title and a quick glance seemed full of promise - but I found the layout annoying - the recipes seem to disappear within the book. Maybe if I was a more dedicated foodie wanting to immerse myself more in modern 'Arabic' (via Australia) food culture I might have liked it more.