The Modern Table: Kosher Recipes for Everyday Gatherings

Canadian chef Kushner (I Heart Kosher) pivots from elaborate Jewish holiday meals to simpler kosher fare “that can be prepped, cooked, and on the table in a heartbeat” in her jubilant latest. “Food is so much more than what we see on our plates,” she begins. Indeed, her dishes tell stories that extend beyond the table, often putting a contemporary spin on recipes inspired by her Moroccan-born mother. She updates a tagine (which is traditionally made with meat) to one composed of leeks, lentils, and chickpeas, and highlights the “divine combination of saffron and yogurt” in a dish of caramelized yams. Putting an emphasis on ease, Kushner uses bone-in thighs to prepare a rich-tasting chicken soup in just 40 minutes, and relies on relatively few ingredients in such dishes as a simple yet fragrant salad of fennel, pomegranate, and parsley. She also relishes the bright flavors and quick prep time of vegetable ramen and weeknight poke bowls. Her penchant for creating a welcoming environment can be seen in everything she touches—from helpful menus for Shabbat to table settings graced with displays of fresh herbs and suggestions for such small take-home gifts as a homemade garlic confit. Start to finish, this provides fresh ways to nurture and enhance the spirit of a kosher home. (Apr.)