SUQAR (which means 'sugar' in Arabic) shares the secrets of more than 100 sweet treats inspired by Middle Eastern flavours – ranging from puddings and pastries, to ice creams, cookies, cakes, confectionary, fruity desserts and drinks.
The traditional time to eat sweets in the Middle East is not after meals (when fruit is served) but at breakfast, with coffee in between meals or on religious holidays and special occasions. The repertoire of these dishes is vast and varied. In SUQAR, acclaimed chef Greg Malouf and writing partner Lucy Malouf share the best and most delectable sweet treats from the region (alongside some personal favourites and tried-and-tested creations from Greg's restaurant kitchens). The recipes merge the spices, flavours and scents of Greg's childhood with the influence of Greg's training in the West to create dishes in Greg's signature Modern Middle Eastern style.
The book's ten chapters cover: Fruit; Dairy; Frozen; Cakes; Cookies; Pastries; Doughnuts, Fritters & Pancakes; Halvas & Confectionery; Preserves; and Drinks. Accompanied by beautiful photography and illustrations, SUQAR is a journey through the sweets of the Middle East.
SUQAR is a 2019 James Beard award winner in the Baking & Desserts category.
About the Authors
Along with writing partner Lucy Malouf, Greg has produced six beautiful and award-winning books on different cuisines, the latest being Malouf: New Middle Eastern Food, to continued acclaim.
In 2011, he was honoured as Ambassador by The American University in Beirut for his achievements in promoting Lebanese cuisine around the world.
In 2012 Greg left the award-winning MoMo restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, to take over the reins at the iconic Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond, UK.
His Middle Eastern take on seasonal dining earned the restaurant a Michelin star. Greg is now based in Dubai, where he is opening a multi-million dollar modern Middle Eastern restaurant in May 2014.
Lucy Malouf is a food writer and editor. Together with her former husband, Greg Malouf, she is the co-author of Arabesque, Moorish, Saha, Turquoise, Saraban and Malouf: New Middle Eastern Food.
Her writing has appeared in compendiums of the best Australian food writing and she also contributes regularly to Australian and International newspapers, journals and magazines. In addition to her own projects, Lucy has collaborated with some of Australia’s best known chefs on their recipe books and is regarded as one of the most experienced food editors in the publishing industry.
Lucy and her husband George, live in a converted Kentish barn in the UK. Acclaimed as the master of modern Middle Eastern cooking, Greg Malouf has transformed the Australian restaurant scene with his innovative food.
Greg's reputation as the creator of a new style of cooking known as 'Modern Middle Eastern' which has changed forever the perception of Middle Eastern food in the West reaches far beyond his native Australia.
