A Taste of Lebanon: Cooking Today the Lebanese Way: Over 200 Recipes Developed and Tested

Book by Salloum, Mary

Lebanese-born but a resident of Canada since 1952, Salloum is an enthusiastic proselytizer for her native cuisine. This collection of over 200 recipes includes familiar Middle Eastern favoriteshommous, falafil, kibbi and baklavaalong with more exotic dishes: tongue salad, meat pastries in yogurt soup, Arabic cheese and soup made from kishk (a powdered mixture of crushed wheat and yogurt). In keeping with her emphasis on home cooking that is fresh, healthful and economical, as well as delicious, Salloum identifies the meatless dishes (a minority) with subheadings and includes separate sections for poultry and fish dishes. Readers looking for an in-depth exploration of Lebanese food and culture, however, will not find it here; the book is aimed at cooks new to Middle Eastern food who will appreciate lists of basic ingredients and "helpful hints." Salloum provides a short directory of sources in the U.S. for Middle Eastern ingredients, but makes ample allowance for North American tastes: beef may be substituted for lamb in many recipes, and the fillings for pita bread employ such ingredients as bean sprouts, tuna and peanut butter. Appealing photographs illustrate serving suggestions and garnishes.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Salloum, chef/owner of a Middle Eastern restaurant, provides 200 recipes for traditional Lebanese dishes from appetizers to sweets and beverages. The recipes, generally simple and inexpensive to prepare, are typical of those used by Lebanese home cooks and feature such ingredients as lemons, olive oil, parsley and mint, lamb, and chickpeas. Most American cooks are familiar only with tabbouleh, hummus, and a few other Lebanese specialties; Salloum's book is a good introduction to the cuisine as a whole. Karaoglan also offers traditional recipes, but excludes those made with meat. While she includes somewhat more background and a lengthier "pantry" section than Salloum, her narrower focus makes this an optional purchase for most collections; Salloum's is the one to buy.-- JS
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.