Books for cooks
This month’s top new releases
Saffron in the Souks by John Gregory-smith
Food and travel writer John specialises in Middle Eastern cuisine and for this, his fifth book on the subject, he travelled around Lebanon from the souks in Beirut and Tripoli to the mountains and forests, discovering the vibrant, bold flavours in Lebanese cooking. The dishes are great for sharing with delicious meze, herby breads and pastries, halloumi, falafel, shawarmas and generously spiced meats.
£25, Kyle Books Must-try recipe Spiced lamb freekeh Vegan One Pound Meals by Miguel Barclay
The latest in the One Pound Meals book series, every recipe costs £1 or less per head, and this time it’s all about easy plantbased meals using supermarket ingredients. From creamy cauliflower tagliatelle to sticky peanut butter tofu and polenta kebabs, these clever vegan recipes are ideal for everyday budget family cooking. £16.99, Headline Home Must-try recipe Artichoke paella
Baan by Kay Plunkett-hogge
Thai food can seem complicated to the Western cook, so Kay, who was born and raised in Bangkok, set out to demystify it and encourage people to go beyond green curry and pad Thai at home. The book is packed with regional dishes and plenty are familiar, with Thai fishcakes, prawn fried rice, curries, stir-fries and noodles, and there are more unusual ingredients and dishes to discover too, including stir-fried bitter melon, ‘stink beans’, and banana blossom salad. A colourful, interesting book packed with achievable recipes, stories, shortcuts and tips, this is a must for anyone who loves Asian food. £20, Pavilion Books Must-try recipe Pork stir-fried with holy basil