Secrets of the Kitchen from 1001 Nights. This book already exudes the scent of oriental spices and herbs as you flip through its pages: from simple couscous to luxurious tagines, it gathers traditional family recipes from North Africa and new variations of classic dishes. The culinary journey takes you through Morocco (Marrakech and Fès), Tunisia (Tunis, Carthage, and La Goulette), and Libya (Tripoli), behind the usually closed doors of private homes in the Medina, the old town area with its typical souks and riads. The foundation of the private kitchens in the Medina is simplicity: the exotic blends with home-cooked meals to create dishes that are highly aromatic yet quick and easy to prepare. Tunisian cuisine is likely the spiciest in the region, thanks to harissa, a chili paste, and the influences of French cuisine can be felt everywhere here.