The North Africa (Vegetarian Table) Book

Kitty Morse grew up in Casablanca, and through her extensive network of family and friends, she accumulated expertise in the cuisine of the entire Maghreb: Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. In this part of the world, banquets called diffas are long affairs which include heaping platters of couscous, aromatic tagines or stews, and exquisitely spiced dishes like feather-light Bisteya, a kind of pie often filled with pigeon. Meat, fish, and poultry are eaten, but most of the time, meals center on legumes like lentils, grains, and heaps of vegetables. Some of these dishes require seasoning with preserved lemons, fiery harissa, or a Tunisian blend of ground coriander, caraway, garlic, and chili powder which is called Tabil. Morse opens by showing how to make them all. There are recipes for a meatless Harira, a delightful Cauliflower and Zucchini Salad, and Tunisian Mechwya. There are also grilled peppers, several crustless Tunisian quiches, Foul Mudamus, a stew of fava beans with olives, plus a variety of couscous dishes and breads. Vegetarians will appreciate the complex flavors and brilliant colors of North African food. Those who eat meat will not miss it, thanks to the rich aromas and satisfying heft of Morse's dishes. Photos by Deborah Jones display the beauty of this traditional cooking. Menus will help you organize memorable meals, and mail-order sources can supply needed ingredients wherever you live. --Dana Jacobi Read More