Have you seen Adeena Sussman’s latest cookbook, Sababa? It’s been a long time since I’ve reviewed a cookbook here. That’s because it’s been quite a while since I’ve fallen so in love with a cookbook that I felt compelled to share it with you. Sababa is that cookbook! It’s perfect for year round cooking, but its festive recipes are especially suited to the Jewish High Holidays.
Sababa Recipes
Whether you’re looking for unique Middle Eastern spice blends, simple yet stunning vegetable recipes, or innovative entrees, Sababa is for you. With zesty, bright flavors featured in recipes ranging from Za’atar, to Tahini Glazed Carrots, to Sumac Grilled Chicken, there’s something for everyone in this ravishing cookbook.
Sababa Israeli Cookbook
I first read about Sababa in the New York Times. Soon enough, Adeena Sussman’s Tahini Glazed Carrots recipe was turning up everywhere. I grabbed myself a copy, and haven’t looked back since. Sababa is a love letter to the melting pot that is Israeli cooking. And don’t even get me started on the photos –they are amazing! Sussman is a lover of the Middle Eastern shuk, or marketplace, and the book offers vibrant photos of the Tel Avivi shuk. Those photos brought back so many memories for me.
Sababa Cookbook & My Time in Israel
I don’t recall if I’ve written about it here before, but I lived in Israel when I was in my early twenties. I was attending Columbia College in New York City and took a semester abroad, studying Middle Eastern history and Hebrew in Jerusalem. I went to Hebrew University and when school was out during the summer I was a cocktail waitress at a bar in Jerusalem. One of my favorite parts of living in Israel was going to the shuk, or marketplace. Fruits, vegetables, spices, meats, and baked goods spilled out of every nook and cranny. Walking through the shuk gave me ample opportunity to practice Hebrew. I learned more of the language there, bargaining with the purveyors, than I did in my school program.
Middle Eastern Cookbook
This might be the first time I’ve featured a cookbook here that isn’t gluten-free. That’s because the book is worth every penny whether you’re gluten-free or not! And don’t worry, if you have celiac disease, there are plenty of recipes in this cookbook that are naturally gluten-free. In terms of the recipes that do contain gluten? I’ll be transforming some of those into gluten-free, grain-free versions for you in the next few weeks. Za’atar Crackers anyone? Coming soon!
vered leb says
it’s great to read!
as an israeli, following you for years now, it’s very exciting to read, even though it’s not paleo/ aip/ low carb :-)
Elana says
Thanks Vered!
Judit says
Shana Tova Elana and family!
Thank you sharing your delicious recipes!
Elana says
Judit, Shana Tova! Thanks for being on this healthy eating journey with me :-)
Chami says
Shana Tova and thank you always for your amazing recipes that i making and i have all your books
And your gluten free recipes saved me
Elana says
Chami, Shana Tova! I’m so happy to hear you are enjoying my books :-)
Eve Ilsen says
Used your GF honey cake, and loved it…
גמר חתימה טובה
Eve
Elana says
Eve, Shana Tova! Hope you are well my dear :-)
Dodi says
Shana Tova!
Elana says
Dodi, Shana Tova!
Sonia Lightsey says
This is so exciting. I love eating foods from different cultures and I look forward to seeing what you are going to come up with!
Elana says
Sonia, I’m so glad you’re excited too!
Laurie Luoma says
Thank you fir sharing this and a bit of your Israel connection.
Elana says
Laurie, thanks for being on this fun food and cultural journey with me :-)
Sandra says
Does this book have any vegetarian or vegan recipes in it? I try to eat vegan as much as I can.
Also, in reading under your Related Posts above, a correction–recipes do not have “less” ingredients, they have “fewer” ingredients. Confusion of less and fewer is common.
You have a nice website.
Sandy
Elana says
Sandra, thanks for your comment! There are a number of vegetarian and vegan options, but I would check out the “look inside” feature on amazon so that you can decide if it’s right for you :-)
Alan says
Hey, I lived in Israel from 1979 to 1988. Might we have crossed paths? Happy New Year.
Elana says
Alan, were you in Jerusalem? :-)
Alan says
Of course! In Mevaseret Tzion. PS: Made your honey cake. Perfect. Everyone loved it.
Elana says
Alan, I was at Har Ha Tsofim. So glad to hear everyone loved the honey cake! Big hugs to your and yours :-)
Danneca says
Ooohhh….this looks amazing! Thanks for posting about this! I’m ordering it right now!
Elana says
Danneca, thanks for your comment! I think you’ll love it :-)