I think, by now, that all I’d need to know is that a book is by Sabrina Ghayour and I’d snap it up, sight unseen. Simply on the evidence of her output thus far, I know that what I can unfailingly expect from her are no-fuss recipes that get me out of a rut, fill me with greedy joy, and are utterly reliable. Her ebullient and contagiously celebratory feel for flavour may be down to her talent, palate and personality, but it’s sheer hard work – that’s to say, rigorous testing and ruthless retesting, at the very least – which ensures that every recipe can be trusted. And that’s a crucial factor in inspiring trust and fostering confidence.
Despite my opening salvo, you can rest assured that I am, in fact, not writing about her latest book, Persiana Easy, sight unseen. Indeed, I have been absolutely wallowing in it, and she is really on cracking form! Just read my shortlist of recipes (and yes, this is actually the shortlist, and it’s been hell whittling it down to this length) and let the deliciousness waft promisingly over you: Cannellini, Orange, Cumin and Feta Dip; Carrot Chips with Za’atar Yogurt; Curried Popcorn Chicken; Fig, Goat’s Cheese, Thyme & Honey Rolls; Sweet & Sour Broccoli Chopped Salad; Spicy Sausage Tacos with Green Herb Salsa; Cheat’s Lahmacun (think spicy lamb pizza but made using tortilla wraps for the base); Creamy Prawn Orzo; the fabulous Dr Youssef’s Egyptian Macarona Bechamel; Ginger Broth with Chicken Koftas & Noodles; Hummus Soup; Punchy Herb Chicken; Baked Meatballs with Tomato, Harissa & Feta; Smashed Crispy Potato Chaat; Creamy Coconut & Black Pepper Spinach; that divine Greek custard tart, Bougatsa; and Iced Cinnamon Teacake with Almonds. Hungry now? I am!
In time-honoured fashion, I shall leave you with the recipe I’m enthusiastically sharing with you, and which I cannot stop making myself: her improbably easy, immensely rewarding Turkish Pide Bread.
Persiana Easy by Sabrina Ghayour, 14th August 2025, £28.00. Published by Mitchell Beazley.
Photography by Kris Kirkham.
