Before Ottolenghi, there was Marlena. Cookbook author Ruth offers a tribute to her friend and soulmate, who died last year aged 74. She was best known in her native USA but her thrilling writing, passion for big flavours and generosity of spirit introduced thousands of readers to the excitement of food from cultures around the world – especially the Middle East
RECIPE RUTH NIEMAN PHOTOGRAPH INDIA WHILEY-MORTON FOOD STYLING EMILY GUSSIN