Keep It Zesty: A Celebration of Lebanese Flavors & Culture from Edy's Grocer

(Hardback)

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Description

From the beloved chef and owner of Edys Grocer, a deeply personal celebration of Lebanese flavors adopted for the modern home cook.

Born in a small fishing village in Lebanon, Edy Massih grew up eating and cooking alongside his Teitas (grandmothers) Odette and Jacquo, who taught him the secret to delicious Lebanese food, including how to roll garlic labneh balls and bind homemade kibbeh by hand. Growing up in America from the age of ten, Edy steadily built his career as a chef and caterer on these dishes and many more from his native land. But in 2020, the pandemic nearly derailed his dreams. Then a beloved deli in his Brooklyn neighborhoodrun by his adopted Teita, Mariawas up for grabs. Maria decided to retire and turn the keys over to Edy. The new sign, Edy's Grocer, went up and the Lemony Corner of Brooklyn was born.

In Keep It Zesty, Edy shares his story and more than more than 115 easy-to-follow recipes for some of his favorite dishestraditional Lebanese fare with a modern twist. Infused with the zestiness and positivity he brings to everyday life, Keep It Zesty offers everything adventurous home cooks need to whip up a delicious weeknight meal and entertain guests. Edy shows you how to build your own Brown Paper Board (the super-sized charcuterie board of your dreams), alongside recipes for mouthwatering starters like Orangey Date Carrot Dip and Spicy Fig Jam; show-stopping breakfasts such as Rosewater Raspberry Dutch Baby and Tomato Halloumi Skillet; Zaatar Chicken Thighs and Everything Sumac Salmon with Sweetie Tahini Eggplant and other mouthwatering weeknight dishes; Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Chops and Shawarma Chicken Taco Night to wow even the most difficult of guests; and sweets and drinks from Pistachio Halva Rice Krispies to Jallab Rosey Iced Tea with Pine Nuts. Plus, youll find easy tips and tricks from a one-man catering (and Grocer-owning) powerhouse.

In addition to his amazing dishes, Edy includes helpful recipe charts for easy customizationaccompanied by odes to Middle Eastern pantry staples, more than 100 truly stunning photographs of food and lovingly preserved family pictures, and heartwarming essays dedicated to the women in his life who shaped Edy along the way.

Delicious, accessible, bursting with flavor and full of the joy of life, this rich cookbook introduces a young culinary star on the rise and inspires home cooks everywhere to keep it zesty!

Reviews

Keep It Zesty evokes home: big family-style feasts along the shores of the Mediterranean. I got lost in the insane flavors of his Moroccan Harissa Minestrone, Everything Sumac Salmon, and Pistachio Halva Rice Krispie Treats. Equally breathtaking are the stories of the women who influencedEdy's life in themost delicious of ways. This book is a must-have, filled with recipes and stories of pure zest,love, and joy." Suzy Karadsheh, New York Times bestselling author of The Mediterranean Dish Cookbook A brilliant ode to the spirit of Lebanese hospitalityvibrant, lavish, and playfulpacked with abundant meals and celebration. Edy beautifully pays tribute to the matriarchs in his life whove helped him find the truest expression of self through his nationally acclaimed corner store, a place for gathering and celebrating Arab foodways. Reem Assil, IACP award-winning author of Arabiyya Edy Massih's deeply personal debut cookbook, Keep it Zesty, immerses you in his charming and delicious world, making you wish his beloved Brooklyn shop was right around the corner from you. Fortunately, the books collection of bright, vegetable-forward recipes will inspire and allow you to bring those flavors to your own home. Andy Baraghani, New York Timesbestselling author ofThe Cook You Want to Be In his debut cookbook, Edys bright smile and ambitious personality shine through on every page, with mouthwatering recipes that are both forward-thinking and lovingly nostalgic. He shares endless advice like how to build easy-peasy spice blends, stock your freezer like a true teita, and prep fresh lemon juice to have on handthe types of tips that elevate your kitchen and your spirit. But my favorite part of Edys book is his love letter to Oprah Winfrey, whose daily talk show changed Edys life when he needed it most. By sharing his food, Edy shares every beautiful part of himself, and it just may change your life, too. Dan Pelosi, New York Times bestselling author of Lets Eat Keep it Zesty is beautifulits bright, colorful, and brings light and joy into my kitchen.Edy is an amazing teacher, and you can feel his love and passion for Lebanese cuisine on every page. Plus, the thoughtful design makes it incredibly easy and fun to cook your way through the book. Rick Martnez, New York Times bestselling author of Mi Cocina "This book is a pure celebration of the happy, zesty life we all deserve. Its bright and welcoming, both a crash course in how to cook simple, delicious, and approachable Lebanese flavors at home and a beautiful immigrant story told through Edys love of cooking and culture. After flipping through this book, you will feel like youve gained a new BFF who will inspire you to live your best life through delicious foods." James Park, author of Chili Crisp These recipes are as vibrant as Edy himself. Simple, dynamic, and with just a hint of humor, these recipes transported me from the Greenpoint Grocer all the way to his familys lunch table in Lebanon. And yes, Ill be making the mujadara on repeat." Justine Doiron,@justine_snacks

Author Bio

Edy Massih is a chef, a caterer, and the owner of Edys Grocer in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Born in Anfeh, Lebanon, he moved at the age of ten to Boston with his family. In 2016, he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and started a successful catering business, which soon became well known for its signature Brown Paper Boards. In August 2020, Edy opened his first storefront, Edys Grocer, which quickly turned into a neighborhood staple and gathering place, serving great food and hosting various pop-ups, cookbook clubs, and dinner parties. Edy hopes to inspire others with his modern twist on the Lebanese flavors that captivated him as a child.