Ottolenghi SIMPLE

I have a copy: this was bought as a gift. Recipient was delighted. Easy to follow recipes with interesting ingredients. Suit a novice cook

Ottolenghi has been quoted as saying his cooking is aimed at ‘drama in the mouth.’ Simple is an acronym for Short on time, Ingredients ten or less, Make ahead, Pantry (meaning basic stock ingredients), Lazy, Easier than you think. The recipes are very clear and easy to follow. There are beautiful photographic illustrations of the dishes. There is a wide range of recipes, including salads, cooked vegetables, eggs, chicken, fish, lamb, pasta, cakes and desserts. I have tried several recipes, had easy and delicious results, and then repeated my favourites. I have also taken inspiration from a carrot salad recipe and combined some of the ingredients (cinnamon, dill, coriander, cider vinegar, garlic and honey) with carrots and, instead of making a salad, I added stock and managed to turn these flavours into a delicious soup. Many, but not all, of the recipes include suggestions for suitable accompaniments. This would have been very useful to include with the recipe for the rich and delicious chicken Marbella, but all is not lost because there is a section on Meal Suggestions at the end of the book where you can find suggestions for vegetables or salad which would go well with the delicious and easy date, olive and caper ingredients in the chicken Marbella marinade. The cross-referencing in this section is really helpful. Finally, the book is sturdy and robust enough to survive splashes and steam in the kitchen. It’s a marvellous modern recipe book, truly a gateway to ‘drama in the mouth’ for those who aspire to fit delicious cooking into an otherwise very busy life.

This book is all you will need to create simple, but massive on flavour, dishes. Wait until you try the sweet potato mash with herbs and lime salsa! I’m really impressed. Have bought a second book for my brother.

I love the recipes but didn't realise that it wasn't all vegetarian. My fault, I should have checked. The recipes I can use are wonderful, so no problem there.

Very good book

We think reciever enjoyed it

This is a large hardback book and for me, it is all about trying out new ingredients and tastes. So there is a lot of cauliflower and cumin seeds for an authentic Middle Eastern vibe.I tried out the curried egg and cauliflower salad. It did not look especially appetising but it was delicious and did not disappoint. I have now eyed up the roasted parsnip and smoked haddock fish cakes and can’t wait to make this and try them out before replicating for guests.Delighted with this book and look forward to exploring and experimenting more!

Great book for keeping things simple with big rewards