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From the acclaimed chefs behind award-winning Los Angeles restaurant Bavel comes a gorgeous cookbook featuring personal stories and more than eighty recipes that celebrate the diversity of Middle Eastern cuisines.“Ori and Genevieve manage to pull off a style of cooking that is both familiar (and therefore comforting) but also new (and therefore fresh and exciting). This is the sort of food I could live on.”—Yotam OttolenghiWhen chef Ori Menashe and pastry chef Genevieve Gergis opened their first Los Angeles restaurant, Bestia, the city fell in love. By the time they launched their second restaurant, Bavel, the love affair had expanded to cooks and food lovers nationwide. Bavel, the cookbook, invites home cooks to explore the broad and varied cuisines of the Middle East through fragrant spice blends; sublime zhougs, tahini, labneh, and hummus; rainbows of crisp-pickled vegetables; tender, oven-baked flatbreads; fall-off-the-bone meats and tagines; buttery pastries and tarts; and so much more.Bavel—pronounced bah-VELLE, the Hebrew name for Babel—is a metaphor for the myriad cultural, spiritual, and political differences that divide us. The food of Bavel tells the many stories of the countries defined as “the Middle East.” These recipes are influenced by the flavors and techniques from all corners of the region, and many, such as Tomato with Smoked Harissa, Turmeric Chicken with Toum, and Date-Walnut Tart, are inspired by Menashe’s Israeli upbringing and Gergis’s Egyptian roots. Bavel celebrates the freedom to cook what we love without loyalty to any specific country, and represents a world before the region was divided into separate nations. This is cooking without borders.

Bavel: Modern Recipes Inspired by the Middle East [A Cookbook] by Ori Menashe is a captivating culinary journey through the vibrant flavors and rich traditions of Middle Eastern cuisine. This stunning cookbook brings the culinary artistry of Chef Ori Menashe, co-owner of the renowned Los Angeles restaurant Bavel, to your kitchen, offering a delectable collection of modern recipes rooted in the Middle Eastern heritage.

With over 80 inspiring recipes, Bavel invites home cooks to explore the diverse tapestry of flavors that define this culinary region. From classic dishes reimagined with a contemporary twist to innovative creations that showcase the beauty of fresh, seasonal ingredients, each recipe is a testament to Chef Menashe's passion for creating memorable dining experiences.

In Bavel, you'll find a wealth of mouthwatering dishes that celebrate the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine. Dive into the tantalizing flavors of Grilled Lamb Chops with Pistachio-Herb Salsa, where tender lamb chops are perfectly charred and complemented by a vibrant salsa bursting with the nutty flavors of pistachios and aromatic herbs. Or indulge in the comforting warmth of the Slow-Cooked Chicken with Saffron and Rose Water, where chicken is braised to perfection in a fragrant broth infused with saffron and rose water.

Bavel goes beyond the main courses, offering an array of tempting small plates, salads, and desserts that capture the essence of Middle Eastern hospitality. Delight in the crispy crunch of the Falafel Waffles with Tahini Yogurt Sauce, where crispy falafel batter is transformed into savory waffles and served with a creamy tahini yogurt sauce. Enjoy the refreshing vibrancy of the Cucumber and Herb Salad with Pomegranate Dressing, a refreshing medley of crisp cucumbers, aromatic herbs, and a tangy pomegranate dressing.

No Middle Eastern feast is complete without an array of delectable desserts, and Bavel delivers an enticing selection to satisfy your sweet cravings. The Pistachio and Halva Cake is a symphony of flavors, with layers of moist pistachio cake and rich halva mousse harmonizing perfectly. And for a taste of tradition, the Kanafeh with Rose Syrup and Pistachios offers a delightful combination of crispy shredded filo pastry, sweet cheese filling, and a fragrant rose syrup.

Throughout Bavel, Chef Menashe generously shares his culinary expertise, providing detailed instructions, helpful tips, and insights into the techniques that bring each dish to life. With stunning photography that captures the essence of each recipe, Bavel is not just a cookbook; it's an invitation to embark on a culinary adventure, to explore the vibrant flavors of the Middle East, and to create unforgettable dining experiences in your own home.