Yotam Ottolenghi's vegetarian delights: African cuisine reads
What's the story
Discovering African vegetarian cuisine through the lens of Yotam Ottolenghi promises a vibrant culinary journey.
This article features books and resources, personally curated by Ottolenghi, that highlight the continent's vast and tantalizing world of vegetarian creations.
Whether you're seeking traditional recipes passed down through generations or modern interpretations infused with African essence, this collection will ignite your senses and transport your palate to the heart of Africa's rich flavors.
Exploration
'In Bibi's Kitchen'
In Bibi's Kitchen, by Hawa Hassan with Julia Turshen, is a tribute to the grandmothers (or bibis) of eight African countries along the Indian Ocean.
Highly recommended by Ottolenghi for its heartwarming recipes and stories. Think vibrant vegetarian dishes from Eritrea, Somalia, and Mozambique.
This book is a gateway to the secrets of nutritious and full-of-flavor home cooking.
Taste
The flavors of North Africa
North Africa's rich culinary tradition, characterized by bold spices and varied ingredients, is beautifully captured in The New Mediterranean Jewish Table by Joyce Goldstein.
Highly recommended by Ottolenghi, this book offers a vast collection of vegetarian recipes spanning Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and beyond.
It focuses on fresh produce and fragrant spices, the building blocks of true North African gastronomy.
Innovation
Modern takes on traditional dishes
For those seeking to infuse traditional African flavors with modern culinary skills, Ottolenghi highly recommends Zoe's Ghana Kitchen by Zoe Adjonyoh.
This cookbook brings Ghanaian cuisine to the world stage, focusing on making it accessible and innovative.
Vegetarian recipes are modernized but retain their authentic essence, making it a great book for anyone looking to try new flavors.
Diversity
A pan-African culinary adventure
Ottolenghi recommends Africa Cookbook by Jessica B. Harris for anyone interested in delving into Africa's extensive vegetarian cuisine.
Spanning regions from Egypt to South Africa, this book highlights the diversity of African culinary traditions.
By pairing recipes with historical context, Harris provides a unique blend of cultural education and culinary inspiration.
Sustainability
Sustainable cooking practices
Finally, learning to cook sustainably is more important than ever in our rapidly changing world.
The Vegetarian Ethiopian Cookbook by Dinaw Mengestu offers a deep dive into Ethiopia's vibrant tradition of plant-based cuisine, all while championing sustainability.
Praised by Ottolenghi for its emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients and waste reduction, this cookbook empowers readers to make greener choices in the kitchen without compromising on taste or authenticity.