In 'Spice', renowned chef Ana Sortun unveils the magic of spices and their transformative power in cooking. Through a vibrant collection of recipes, she takes readers on a culinary adventure that celebrates bold flavors from around the globe. Each dish is a testament to the art of balancing spices, encouraging home cooks to experiment fearlessly in their own kitchens. With captivating anecdotes and expert tips, Sortun invites everyone to rediscover the joy of seasoning their meals. Dive into 'Spice' and awaken your palate with the rich tapestry of tastes that only spices can offer!
By Ana Sortun
Published: 2006
""Cooking is not just about following recipes; it’s about exploring a world of spices that tell stories of culture, history, and the joy of life itself.""
On a trip to Turkey as a young woman, chef Ana Sortun fell in love with the food and learned the traditions of Turkish cooking from local women. Inspired beyond measure, Sortun opened her own restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the award-winning Oleana, where she creates her own interpretations of dishes incorporating the incredible array of delicious spices and herbs used in eastern regions of the Mediterranean. In this gorgeously photographed book, Sortun shows readers how to use this philosophy of spice to create wonderful dishes in their own homes. She reveals how the artful use of spices and herbs rather than fat and cream is key to the full, rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine -- and the way it leaves you feeling satisfied afterward. The book is organized by spice, detailing the ways certain spices complement one another and how they flavor other foods and creating in home cooks a kind of sense-memory that allows for a more intuitive use of spice in their own dishes. The more than one hundred tantalizing spice categories and recipes include: Beef Shish Kabobs with Sumac Onions and Parsley Butter Chickpea and Potato Terrine Stuffed with Pine Nuts, Spinach, Onion, and Tahini Crispy Lemon Chicken with Za’atar Golden Gazpacho with Condiments Fried Haloumi Cheese with Pear and Spiced Dates Absolutely alive with spices and herbs, Ana Sortun’s recipes will intrigue and inspire readers everywhere.
Ana Sortun is a celebrated chef and author, known for her innovative approach to Mediterranean cuisine, particularly that of the Middle East. She has penned several notable works, including 'Flavors of the Middle East' and 'Spice: Flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean,' which showcase her ability to incorporate bold spices and fresh ingredients into her cooking. Sortun’s writing style is characterized by its vivid imagery, approachable instructions, and a celebration of seasonal produce, making her recipes both delightful and accessible to home cooks. She is also recognized for her efforts in bridging culinary traditions, bringing an authentic and modern twist to her dishes.
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“"Cooking is not just about following recipes; it’s about exploring a world of spices that tell stories of culture, history, and the joy of life itself."”
Spice
By Ana Sortun
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