Boustany

Who’s the author? Sami Tamimi is the co-founder of Ottolenghi and co-author of acclaimed cookbooks including Ottolenghi: The Cookbook, the hugely influential Jerusalem, and the award-winning Falastin.

Born and raised in Jerusalem, Sami worked in kitchens in his home town and Tel Aviv, where he became head chef of prestigious restaurant Lilith, before moving to London in 1997. It was there that he served as head chef at Baker & Spice, before joining forces with Noam Bar and Yotam Ottolenghi to set up the first Ottolenghi deli in Notting Hill. Sami has since worked in key roles across the Ottolenghi business, including as executive chef of Ottolenghi, and now runs his own supper club NAFAS, which celebrates the produce of fairtrade Palestinian farmers and British food producers.

What’s it about? Boustany, “my garden” in Arabic, is Sami’s most personal cookbook with more than 100 original vegetable-based Palestinian recipes that pay homage to the food and culture he grew up with, where vegetables and grains took centre stage in simple yet flavour-packed dishes.

With chapters covering breakfast, sharing plates, celebratory feasts, breads, salads, sweets, effortless dinners and more, you’ll learn how to build your pantry, use and preserve seasonal produce, and create spreads with an array of vibrant salads, platters and condiments to bring colour and freshness to your mealtimes.

Recipes we love: Turmeric Cauliflower and Chickpeas with Lemon Yoghurt, Fried Aubergine M’tabal with Tomato and Coriander Salsa, Za’atar and Cheese Loaf, and Apple, Walnut and Lemon Cake

Perfect for: Fans of authentic and accessible cookbooks such as Fresh India and Taverna.