Book excerpt: Explore the history of Spanish, Middle Eastern and African cuisine and discover over 330 traditional dishes, A fascinating introduction to the ingredients of the regions, with advice on using the distinctive spices, Enticing food for everyone, from fabulous tapas and mezzes, sizzling meal dishes and hot, tangy fish curries to a dazzling array of paellas, rice, vegetable and salad dishes, and exotic desserts, Recipes include appetizers such as Salt Cod Fritters with Alloli, Spinach Empanadillas and Borek; hearty main dishes like Spanish Cocido and Persian Lamb with Split Peas; and treats such as Crema Catalana and Baklava. Contains over 1400 photographs, easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, cook's tips and a nutritional breakdown for every recipe. Book jacket.