Each entry describes a vegetable and its varieties, explains its origins and its culinary history from ancient times right up through the present, and details how to grow and harvest it and where to buy it. Included are many vegetables that you may use every day, such as spinach, carrots, peppers, and tomatoes, as well as those you regularly see in markets but are unsure how to prepare, such as celeriac, kohlrabi, and taro. There are also those that you can easily cultivate in your garden or find growing wild, such as borage and garden cress. The countries that border the Mediterranean Sea are exotic and diverse, as is their multitude of vegetable preparations. These 200 recipes, incorporated into appropriate entries, tell stories about the people who created them and the cultures from which they were born. Such a connection between food and history makes cooking, and eating, even more satisfying.
Here you will find authentic recipes for such classics as ratatouille, gazpacho, and tabbouleh, as well as recipes for less familiar, but no less delicious dishes including Artichoke Hearts in Citrus Sauce and Golden Breadcrumbs, Fried Eggplant with Yogurt, Etouffee of White Beans, Carrot Frittata, and more.<