Fresh Moroccan ~ Nada Saleh

I'm quite a fan of Moroccan food, and this book really whets my appetite. Published in 2006 the book takes a modern approach to this national cuisine with gorgeous glossy photographs and a lighter fresher take on traditional recipes, with less salt and less fat contained within the dishes. There is a nutritional analysis for each recipe and most are also accompanied by a healthy tip. This lighter approach in no way means that the dishes are light on flavour. On the contrary the use of fresh herbs and spices and fruit and honey create big, bold, dynamic and complex flavours that leave my mouth watering.

The Honeyed lamb tagine is to die for - sweet and spicy with the delicious crunch of whole almonds. I've thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken, chickpeas and raisins and the Lamb tagine with prunes and apricots numerous times. The Chicken, couscous and caramelized onions is fantastic - we've cooked it several times for dinner guests as it not only tastes divine but presents beautifully as a complete main course, looking as good as it tastes. The Mallow, aromatic herbs and olives with the jewel like pomegranate seeds glistening is as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate - mmm.

There are plenty of recipes I've yet to try, such as the B'steeya of fish with crispy filo pastry and the dark glistening Marinated aubergines. There are sweets like the Rice pudding with almonds or the Dried fruit salad for those with a sweet tooth, although with mains such as the Tagine of lamb, quince and honey (which we recently made with our own quinces) who needs dessert?

I love this book. Recommended for everyone.

- Kath