Keep It Zesty

“Keep it Zesty” is a true celebration of modern Lebanese flavors, inspired by many of the dishes we all know and love from Edy’s Grocer! Including over 115 easy-to-follow recipes, stunning photos, and deeply personal essays — this book is a true love letter to both the history of my culture and the future of modern Lebanese cooking. So come cook with me and let’s keep it zesty together!

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OVER 115+ EASY-TO-FOLLOW RECIPES!

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About Keep it Zesty

From the beloved chef and owner of Edy’s Grocer,

Born in a small fishing village in Lebanon, Edy Massih grew up eating and cooking alongside his Teitas (grandmothers) Odette and Jacquo, who taught him the secret to delicious Lebanese food, including how to roll garlic labneh balls and bind homemade kibbeh by hand. Growing up in America from the age of ten, Edy steadily built his career as a chef and caterer on these dishes and many more from his native land. But in 2020, the pandemic nearly derailed his dreams. Then a beloved deli in his Brooklyn neighborhood—run by his adopted Teita, Maria—was up for grabs. Maria decided to retire and turn the keys over to Edy. The new sign, Edy's Grocer, went up and the Lemony Corner of Brooklyn was born.

In Keep It Zesty, Edy shares his story and more than 115 easy-to-follow recipes for some of his favorite dishes—traditional Lebanese fare with a modern twist. Infused with the zestiness and positivity he brings to everyday life, Keep It Zesty offers everything adventurous home cooks need to whip up a delicious weeknight meal and entertain guests. Edy shows you how to build your own Brown Paper Board (the super-sized charcuterie board of your dreams), alongside recipes for mouthwatering starters like Orangey Date Carrot Dip and Spicy Fig Jam; show-stopping breakfasts such as Rosewater Raspberry Dutch Baby and Tomato Halloumi Skillet; Za’atar Chicken Thighs and Everything Sumac Salmon with Sweetie Tahini Eggplant and other mouthwatering weeknight dishes; Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Chops and Shawarma Chicken Taco Night to wow even the most difficult of guests; and sweets and drinks from Pistachio Halva Rice Krispies to Jallab Rosey Iced Tea. Plus, you’ll find easy tips and tricks from a one-man catering (and Grocer-owning) powerhouse.

In addition to his amazing dishes, Edy includes helpful recipe charts for easy customization—accompanied by odes to Middle Eastern pantry staples, more than 100 truly stunning photographs of food and lovingly preserved family pictures, and heartwarming essays dedicated to the women in his life who shaped Edy along the way.

Delicious, accessible, bursting with flavor and full of the joy of life, this rich cookbook introduces a young culinary star on the rise and inspires home cooks everywhere to keep it zesty!

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Praise

“In his debut cookbook, Edy’s bright smile and ambitious personality shine through on every page, with mouthwatering recipes that are both forward-thinking and lovingly nostalgic. He shares endless advice like how to build easy-peasy spice blends, stock your freezer like a true teita, and prepping fresh lemon juice to have on hand—the types of tips that elevate your kitchen and your spirit. But my favorite part of Edy’s book is his love letter to Oprah Winfrey, whose daily talk show changed Edy’s life when he needed it most. By sharing his food, Edy shares every beautiful part of himself, and it just may change your life, too.”

— Dan Pelosi, New York Times bestselling author of Let’s Eat

“Keep it Zesty is beautiful—it’s bright, colorful, and brings light and joy into my kitchen. Edy is an amazing teacher, and you can feel his love and passion for Lebanese cuisine on every page. The thoughtful design makes it incredibly easy and fun to cook your way through the book.”

— Rick Martinez, New York Times bestselling author of Mi Cocina

"This book is a pure celebration of a the happy, zesty life we all deserve. It’s bright, and welcoming, both a crash course in how to cook simple, delicious, and approachable Lebanese flavors at home and a beautiful immigrant story told through Edy’s love of cooking and culture. After flipping through this book, you will feel like you’ve gained a new best friend who will inspire you to live your best, life through delicious foods."

— James Park, author of Chili Crisp

“Within the first few pages of this book, Edy transported me home to the big family-style feasts and breezy shores of the Mediterranean. I got lost in the insane flavors of his Moroccan Harissa Minestrone, Everything Sumac Salmon, and Pistachio Halva Rice Krispie Treats. Equally breathtaking are the stories of the women who influenced Edy's life in the most delicious of ways. This book is a must-have, filled with recipes and stories of pure zest, love, and joy."

— Andy Baraghani, New York Times bestselling author of The Cook You Want to Be

“Edy Massih's deeply personal debut cookbook, Keep it Zesty, immerses you in his charming and delicious world, making you wish his beloved Brooklyn shop was right around the corner from you. Fortunately, the book’s collection of bright, vegetable-forward recipes will inspire and allow you to bring those flavors to your own home.”

— Suzy Karadsheh, New York Times bestselling author of The Mediterranean Dish Cookbook

“A brilliant ode to the spirit of Lebanese hospitality--vibrant, lavish, playful—packed with abundant meals and celebration. Edy beautifully pays tribute to the matriarchs in his life who’ve helped him find the truest expression of self through his nationally acclaimed corner store, a place for gathering and celebrating Arab foodways.”