I want a Middle Eastern cookbook - Persiana or Jerusalem?

[IHeartKingThistle]

Both have some great reviews. Any thoughts?

We've got both and there's a lot of crossover. I'd get Claudia Roden's Tamarind and Saffron, tbh. But, any of them will be fine.

I have Persiana - FAB!

Thanks! Read some reviews saying the recipes in Persiana were over seasoned?

bump?

Both are great! I find Persiana a bit easier but then you are probably a better cook than me

Claudia Roden's Arabesque is good too, and A Middle Eastern Feast (the latter is just a tiny wee paperback from Penguin but the writing is so evocative and she describes the origins and associations of lots of ingredients beautifully).

Haha, I started this exact thread yesterday! I got them both

I don't have persiana but Jerusalem is lovely- I also have Claudia roden arabesque but prefer Jerusalem. The jewelled kitchen is definitely worth consideration too ( not really answering your question just adding more options to ponder)

Not more options!

Ha Monday should have checked!

I have both and prefer Jerusalem. Another vote for Claudia Roden, esp A Middle Eastern Feast which I've had for years and years and is now v tatty from heavy use.

I think that's just about come down on the side of Jerusalem!

I have both and have cooked lots of recipes from Persiana, easy to follow, accessible style and no complaints from the family so far! Jerusalem I've found is a bit more of a coffee table type book, lovely pictures but haven't been tempted with any of the recipes

Love Jerusalem, some delicious and not too difficult recipes. Not seen the other book though.

I have cooked a lot from Jerusalem. Everything I have made from it is excellent. Can't understand why it's considered coffee table?

I just got Persiana. It looks very interesting but haven't got time to cook from it yet.

Claudia Roden - loads of recipes, list of ingredients not bonkers. For me the original and still the best.