This is a delightful cookbook that shares the rich culinary traditions of Balkan cuisine. Food in the Balkans is all about comfort, tradition and coming together, and Ibrik: The Balkan Table captures that spirit beautifully. With nearly 100 recipes inspired by the flavours of her Romanian and Greek roots, Paris‑based cook and restaurateur Ecaterina Paraschiv‑Poirson shares the dishes she grew up with — the ones meant to be cooked slowly, shared generously and enjoyed with family and friends.
The recipes wander across the Balkans, drawing influence from Greece, Turkey, Romania, Croatia and Hungary. You’ll find familiar favourites like stuffed peppers, eggplant caviar, kofta and shwarma alongside soups, stews and fermented vegetables that have long been staples in Balkan kitchens. There’s a lovely sense of variety too, from light mezzes to hearty mains, fresh breads, comforting desserts and drinks made for lingering at the table.
Some dishes feel deeply nostalgic, others delight with unexpected twists — dolmades with morello cherries, potato moussaka, grilled trout or baked feta dips. Together, they tell a story of a cuisine shaped by history, migration and home cooking.
Family is at the heart of Balkan cuisine. Ibrik: The Balkan Table is a celebration of food that is made to be shared — generous, heart‑warming dishes that bring people together.
Click here to try some of the delicious recipes that are shared in this cookbook.
About the Author:
Born in Romania, Ecaterina Paraschiv moved to France with her parents at the age of seven. However, she never forgot her home country, and when visiting as a teenager, her love of her culture and Balkan cuisine was renewed. Today, Ecaterina is the head of two Parisian restaurants, Ibrik Café and Ibrik Kitchen, which share the rich culinary traditions of Balkan cuisine.
Title: Ibrik: The Balkan Table
Author: Ecaterina Paraschiv
ISBN: 9781923239791
Publisher:
Website www.smithstreetbooks.com
Try one of the delicious recipes from the book.
