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I realise that I am in dire need of a cookbook by Yotam Ottolenghi, after hearing him speak about food on various programmes and seeing his delicious-looking recipes in various places. I don't have any Israeli/Middle Eastern speciality cookbooks in my (small) collection yet either. This is food I enjoy eating when I'm out, but have rarely tried cooking myself.

I'd really appreciate recommendations on which of his cookbooks would be best to get. I'm not big on making desserts (which rules out Sweet) but beyond that I don't know which of the others to go for. In terms of me actually having the time to try out the recipes, I'd probably prefer a book that contains a good amount of weeknight-dinner type recipes that can be made in an hour or less. I also have a seafood-refusing partner (unless it's salmon, tuna or mussels) so any book with a high concentration of fish recipes is likely to remain largely unused.

I live in a European capital city so getting speciality ingredients shouldn't be too much of a problem, though being able to pick up most of the stuff at my local supermarket/market is always a plus!

Thank you in advance for any recommendations.

Given what you've said I would recommend his most recent book "Simple".  I've made loads of the recipes from that book and been happy with every single one.  I have some of his other cookbooks and, whilst they are great, the recipes require much longer lists of exotic ingredients and are more involved and time-consuming.

Simple would definitely be your best choice. I have all his books and I agree with FJT, recipes in some of his other books are a bit more time consuming.

Simple though is not strictly an Israeli/Middle Eastern speciality cookbooks as it also contains recipes influenced by the whole of the Mediterrenean area but with an Ottolenghi twist. If you want a pure Israeli/Middle Eastern cookbook then I would go for Jerusalem.

I second (or third, really) Simple. I also have Ottolenghi and Plenty, but when I only had those I thought he was a bit overrated. Simple is brilliant, with recipes that I have actually made, and enjoyed very much.

Once you have one you will have to get them all! I love his recipes and have bought every one of his books as they come out. The one I cook least from is Nopi as it's a restaurant cookbook and I don't do that kind of cooking regularly. I cook from all the others regularly and I can't really say which is my favorite - they are all great. I agree with the others that Simple is your gateway book.

Aged garlic that turns black as part of the aging process. The strong garlic flavor changes into a mild caramelized flavor. Hard to make. You can buy it. It’s a bit pricey. For the recipe I referenced, I have roasted garlic until it’s soft and creamy and used it as a substitute. Different flavor but still very nice.

Yup - Simple ... this is as per the title full of easy to follow recipes with 'normal' ingredients and not too much faff!  The others - I love to look through, but don't tend to cook from very often ..