If you haven’t noticed by now, Spicie Foodie is all about international and exotic flavours. I am not sure when my love for foreign foods began, but what I do know is that ethnic foods are my favorites. High on the list is Middle Eastern cuisine and it has also been on my list of cookery to learn. I love how flavorful, exotic, and delicious it tastes. So when I heard about Faith’s cookbook I knew I had to have it.
A couple of weeks ago I treated myself to a Kindle copy of An Edible Mosaic: Everyday Fare with Extraordinary Flair. This scrumptious cookbook is written by Faith Gorsky who writes the blog titled by the same name, An Edible Mosaic. If you are familiar with her blog you’ll know that Faith is an excellent cook and talented photographer. Her passion both for food and art really shine through in the cookbook. Within two days I read the cookbook cover to cover as well as bookmarked many recipes to try.
The book includes over 100 authentic Middle Eastern recipes, countless beautiful photographs, tips that will make all the difference in your dishes, prep techniques, and very informative explanations on the exotic ingredients and techniques of Mid-East cuisine. The recipes were mostly taught to her by her mother-in-law, Sahar. Faith then took that knowledge and demystified the exotic ingredients, tools and techniques and made them very approachable. Even if you are a complete beginner you will feel Faith’s gentle guidance along the way to creating a successful Middle Eastern dish or feast.
Sprinkled throughout the recipes and photographs are some personal stories of how Faith was introduced to the dish. She recounts cooking and learning in her MIL’s kitchen and experiencing the exotic foods for the first time. Additionally she explains how many of the dishes form part of traditions and celebrations around the region. But overall I think the recipes can be incorporated into your everyday cooking routines. Faith says it perfectly “…they cross cultural borders and can be used in different applications in any number of cuisines from around the world.”
I have already tried out a few of the recipes. In fact one of them I already shared with you, the Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves. The other was for her lentil soup which is fantastic and I’ve made several times already. The latest was for these Spiced Shawarma Chicken wraps that are to die for! Shawarma is one of the foods we most order at our favorite Mid-East restaurant, so hubby and I were super excited to make it at home. Immediately after taking the first bite my husband asked when I was making it again. Yes, it is that good! The brining method that Faith instructs really made all the difference as the chicken was tender, juicy and very flavourful. We normally eat our Shawarma as part of a platter which then is rolled up in the bread to make wraps. That is how I served Faith’s recipe -as a platter and part of a meze style meal. It was the best meal of the week.
- 1 batch Shawarma Spice Mix
- ½ cup (125 ml) plain yogurt
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 large cloves garlic, crushed
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 2 lb (1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for sautéing
- 16 flatbreads Garlic Mayonnaise (page 24)
- Pickles (page 27)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground fenugreek
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¹/ 8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne) (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed in a mortar and pestle with ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites or 1 large egg
- 1 cup (250 ml) oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- • Prepare the Shawarma Spice Mix.
- • Combine the spice mix with the yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate 2 to 24 hours.
- • Preheat oven to 350°F and spread 1 tablespoon of oil on the inside of a large baking dish.
- • Scrape off any excess marinade from the chicken with your hands. Starting in the center of the oiled dish, arrange the chicken so that it overlaps, and drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil on top. Bake (uncovered) 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked; cool. (It’s done when you cut into the center and there is no pink.)
- • Remove the chicken from the pan and transfer it to a large cutting board; slice it very thinly across the grain, then transfer it back into the pan it was cooked in to soak up the juices (the chicken can be refrigerated this way for up to 3 days before continuing with the rest of the recipe, or you can continue after 10 minutes).
- • Coat the bottom of a large skillet over medium-high heat with oil. Once hot, add the sliced chicken and sauté until crispy and golden brown (you may need to sauté the chicken in two or three batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded).
- • Spread some Garlic Mayonnaise in the center of each piece of bread; add some chicken and pickles (and any other vegetables you like) and roll it up.
- • Toast the sandwiches on a dry griddle or a flat sandwich press so that the bread gets golden brown and slightly crispy.
- • Serve as is, or cut into small rounds; serve with additional Garlic Mayonnaise for dipping.
- • Crush the garlic and salt in a mortar and pestle until it forms a smooth paste.
- • Whisk together the garlic paste and egg until well blended.
- • Add the oil, drop-by-drop, while whisking (after you’ve added 1 tablespoon of oil drop-by-drop, you can add the oil a little faster). Make sure the oil you add is fully incorporated before adding any more.
- • Once you’ve added ½ cup (125 ml) oil, alternate between gradually adding the oil and lemon juice and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
- • Add the cold water and mix until smooth and creamy.
An Edible Mosaic: Everyday Fare with Extraordinary Flair is a gem of a cookbook. If you’ve ever been interested in learning to cook Mid-East food this book is the best place to start. Being that the recipes are true and tried family recipes you can expect to have great results. Plus you may already have all of the ingredients to start cooking right away. One of the things I love most about Faith’s cookbook is that there is a big selection of vegetarian recipes as well as meat ones. They are all healthy, light and best of all they won’t break your budget. Plus if you have a sweet tooth Faith has you covered.
If you are looking for a great Christmas gift for foodies in your life An Edible Mosaic is the perfect one! While you’re at it get yourself a copy, at under $20 it’s a bargain not to be passed up.
Come back on Wednesday, Faith will be joining us for an interview as well as a price. Stay tuned…
A lovely review! Your chicken shawarma wraps look absolutely amazing and ever so droolworthy. Great clicks too.
Cheers,
Rosa
Thank you Rosa. I saw your review and recipe, it was wonderful.
I am so happy that the shawarma was a hit in your house! I know your hubby and mine would get along well because mine always asks me the same thing when I make shawarma – when am I making it again? Lol!
Your photos are absolutely stunning and your review is incredible. Thank you so, so much, my friend. I am truly honored. xo
Hi Faith,
Hehe, men:) Soon is the answer and I know it will be on rotation here.
Thank you sweetie and it’s been my pleasure. Your cookbook is delicious and I just love everything about it. Hugsies!
Beautiful! My husband is a big fan of chicken shawarma, especially the garlic sauce.
This must be one of those dishes that no man can resist. Thanks Laura!
Oh wow, that is so delicious looking! What a lovely recipe!
Thank you Ravie!
Wonderful review, Nancy! These wraps look incredible, I can’t wait to try them!
Thanks Laura and I’m sure you’ll love Faith’s recipe.
Nancy, I am going to give you the title of “Queen of food styling”! You can make something as flat as a wrap and make it come to life. I know this because I have tried to photograph wraps and they never look this good. It’s a lovely recipe and amazing cookbook. I love all things exotic and spicy too… this dish is what I call a symphony in my mouth. :) Amazing job by both the author and you. Fantastic post. :)
Hi Ramona,
Glad to hear you love Faith’s cookbook. It really is wonderful and full of exotic flavours to excite the taste buds and belly.
Thank you so much sweetie, you’re going to give me a big head. Lol, I’m just kidding:)
That recipe is next on my list from Faith’s book – I can’t wait! Your pictures are making me drool. I may have to move my menu around and make it sooner than I planned!!! Great review :)
I’m sure you’re going to love it Alyssa! Thanks
This looks amazing and I would love to try it. I’ve been wanting to delve into Moroccan cuisine.
Thanks Sandra!
its Lebanese ;-)
Thanks a lot for the ingredients of the shawarma mix: ignorant and ‘lazy’ me has been buying this forever from one of Sydney’s Middle Eastern spice firms: another tick!!!
We can thank Faith for the recipe Eha:) So now you can make your own mix -yummy.
I can’t wait to get this cookbook! I love Middle Eastern food but I have always been intimidated to cook it. I can’t even get hummus right! Your photos are stunning, as always. :)
Hi Kiersten,
You’re going to love Faith’s cookbook. There are so many wonderful vegetarian recipes. Thanks!
I have read lots of reviews for this cookbook on the blogs so it must be wonderful. Certainly that recipe is right up my alley with all those spices.
Hi Suzanne,
Yes it really is a fantastic cookbook. I think you’d love all the healthy recipes.
I was thrilled recently to find I had actually won a copy of this exciting book. I lived in the Middle East for many years and it is absolutely my favorite cuisine. I have been meaning to write about the book, and your thoughtful review has inspired me. And your gorgeous photos make my mouth water. Thanks.
Congratulations Victoria! Since you lived in the Mid-East it will be very comforting for you to read through Faith’s recipes and stories. I can’t wait to read your review. Thanks!:)
oo this looks so good! i wish i could afford all the cook books out there that are worth having…however i love middle eastern food so much it looks like it would be worth it to shell out for this one…
Anna, There are many giveaways being hosted so you might get lucky.;) Thanks!
That book is impressive. Looking forward to read the interview with Faith. :)
Thanks Marina and I’m sure you’ll love reading Faith’s answers!:)
It’s been far too long since I’ve had a decent shawarma…looks like I need to get this book!
Then you simply must make yourself some soon.:)
I’m so proud of Faith’s book too! She put so much work into it and it shows :D Your dish looks fantastic! Beautiful styling and photography Nancy! :)
Hi Lorraine,
Yes, Faith’s passion and talent really show in everything she does. Thank you!:)
I am totally in love with this bloggy series. I’ve seen so many GORGEOUS recipes from this book, it’s totally on my Christmas wish list. Your shawarma is stunning :)
So happy to hear it’s on your x-mas wish list. I hope Santa brings you a copy. Thank you!:)
Great review and reveal of Faith’s new book – so many gorgeous recipes to discover… your shawarma turned out beautifully Nancy. My husband and I have a favourite shawarma spot around the corner that we treat ourselves to but how wonderful to have this recipe to whip up our own creation at home… I foresee a date night coming up in the near future! Stunning photos as always.
Hi Kelly,
Thank you! Oh yes I think I see that date night in your future too.:) You’ll love Faith’s recipe and cookbook.
That chicken looks and sounds so delicious! Especially with the garlic mayonnaise– yum!
It was delicious Allison. I hope you try Faith’s recipe soon.
In an awesome coincidence, I won An Edible Mosaic cookbook as part of a giveaway + just received it! I looked through it cover to cover last night + am going to make something out of it tomorrow night! The chicken shawarma wraps look delicious! I think I might start with kibbee or the mediterranean meatalls. or the grape leaves. there are too many good recipes to choose from! =)
Congratulations Amy! Hehe, yes there are so many wonderful dishes to choose from. I hope you share whichever it is that you decide to make first.
Looks delicious!
Thank you!
Every recipe I’ve seen from this book has looked and sounded absolutely fantastic. They are all unique and foods that I don’t normally cook, but I love to eat. Great job to you and the other bloggers have convinced me to purchase this cookbook!
Faith is so talented! I love that you’ve made so many of her recipes. I think even my picky family would love these wraps. And, as always, your photos are extraordinary!!!
Oohh this chicken shawarma looks so gorgeous and delicious. It is making me very hungry just looking at it. Thank you for sharing it, Nancy!
Nancy, this chicken shawarma looks awesome…very tempting.
Love the review on Faith cookbook as well…have a great week :)
I love shawarma, but for me it’s always been a very simple street food. Only you could make a masterpiece out of it :-)
I absolutely adore chicken shawarma.. should make it at home some day!! absolutely beautiful recipe!!
I really need to get myself a copy of this book – her photos are beautiful, and I too adore this kind of food!!!