Eating Out Loud

August 3, 2020
Grinshpan, host of Top Chef Canada, draws on her travels and Israeli roots in this debut cookbook to create colorful, robust interpretations of Middle Eastern fare. Grinshpan fashions refreshing dishes perfect for dunking, dipping, dribbling, schmearing, and “getting all up in with your hands.” This no-rules take on the region’s classic cuisine offers easy-to-assemble recipes based on a Middle Eastern pantry of “secret weapons”—spices, seeds, herbs, and pickles. Essential condiments and sides include “next level” garlicky, green, or charred tahinis; red and green zhug; sunchoke hummus; labneh; and pickled veggies to bring a pop to food. “Eggs All Day” offers seven shakshuka varieties; “Baked at Brunch” stars oven-fresh pull-apart salted tahini chocolate babka buns. Vegetables take center stage in fried eggplant salad, as well as honey-roasted parsnips with dates and tzatsiki. “Handheld Meals” include a homemade flatbread with lamb, mint, and pomegranate, and a chicken shwarma in a pita. There are grain bowls, marinated fish dishes, and a recipe for brisket. Readers will be inspired by Grinshpan’s bold and fun approach to cooking.

Starred review from October 1, 2020

From the beginning of this inviting collection by Grinshpan, host of Top Chef Canada, readers will feel as if they are conversing with an old friend. Memories of childhood trips to Israel are followed by meals that reflect her Israeli heritage--and how flavors from the Mediterranean and North Africa have influenced the cuisine. The genius of these dishes lies in their ease. Grinshpan offers riffs on classic ingredients such as eggplant and cauliflower and often calls for repeating spices (paprika) and herbs (parsley); for her, versatility is as important as the meal itself. Home cooks will delight in variations of classics such as shakshuka and fattoush, and will appreciate handheld meals that are kid-friendly (think: pita grilled cheese with gouda and honey). The star of the book are creative rice options that work well with several other recipes, allowing for mixing and matching. Kosher options are presented throughout. VERDICT These are meals that deliver in flavor and simplicity. Similar to her cooking shows and YouTube videos, Grinshpan's personal voice will engage cooks of all levels.--Stephanie Sendaula, Library Journal

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