Restaurateur George Psarias has launched his second cookbook in under a year, paying homage to his roots and decades in the trade.

A veteran Leeds restaurateur is inviting home cooks to explore Mediterranean cuisine with the release of a new recipe book dedicated to traditional Greek cooking.

George Psarias, who has spent over 40 years in the culinary world, has penned Olive Tree, a recipe book for home cooks to discover the art of food from mainland Greece and its islands.

The book comes just seven months after the release of Simply Italian, a collection of the chef’s favourite authentic Italian recipes inspired by traditional flavours, his family heritage and many years working in professional kitchens.

George, a Greek Cypriot with 21 per cent Italian heritage, took over Zucchinis in Batley last summer having held numerous restaurants in Leeds since the early 1980s, including three Olive Tree sites, the inspiration for his new book’s title.

“It’s like buses, you wait for a bus and two come at once at the same time,” George said.

“I had been working on the Greek one at the same time as I was working on the Italian one, but because I am so passionate about Greek cuisine I was taking my time correcting things and it took a bit longer.”

Explaining what readers can expect in his new works, he revealed: “Greek and Cypriot cooking has always been at the heart of my life.

“Inspired by my family heritage and years of experience as a restaurateur, Olive Tree brings together authentic recipes inspired by family cooking, regional specialities and traditional Mediterranean flavours. Every island has different dishes.

“There are mezze recipes, like little tapas dishes, hummus and dips, tzatziki, and my favourite which is prawn saganaki.

“I have also chosen some very nice desserts, my favourites, and some that you don't usually find in restaurants.”

Praising his loyal local customers, George said: “I love the people of Batley. They know their food and they know what service should be about.

“They are patient and they enjoy themselves. I love that. It makes me relaxed because they are relaxed. There are not many regions in the country like that.”

Olive Tree is currently available to purchase on Amazon in paperback and e-book formats, with the hardback edition coming soon.