annieb123's Review of Arabiyya

by Reem Assil

IACP AWARD WINNER • A collection of 100+ bright, bold recipes influenced by the vibrant flavors and convivial culture of the Arab world, filled with moving personal essays on food, family, and identity and mixed with a pinch of California cool, from chef and activist Reem Assil

“This is what a cookbook should be: passion, politics, and personality are woven through the fabulous recipes.”—Ruth Reichl, author of Save Me the Plums

ONE OF THE TEN BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR: San Francisco Chronicle
ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR: Food & Wine, Los Angeles Times, Saveur, Epicurious

Arabiyya celebrates the alluring aromas and flavors of Arab food and the welcoming spirit with which they are shared. Written from her point of view as an Arab in diaspora, Reem takes readers on a journey through her Palestinian and Syrian roots, showing how her heritage has inspired her recipes for flatbreads, dips, snacks, platters to share, and more. With a section specializing in breads of the Arab bakery, plus recipes for favorites such as Salatet Fattoush, Falafel Mahshi, Mujaddarra, and Hummus Bil Awarma, Arabiyya showcases the origins and evolution of Arab cuisine and opens up a whole new world of flavor.

Alongside the tempting recipes, Reem shares stories of the power of Arab communities to turn hardship into brilliant, nourishing meals and any occasion into a celebratory feast. Reem then translates this spirit into her own work in California, creating restaurants that define hospitality at all levels. Yes, there are tender lamb dishes, piles of fresh breads, and perfectly cooked rice, but there is also food for thought about what it takes to create a more equitable society, where workers and people often at the margins are brought to the center. Reem's glorious dishes draw in readers and customers, but it is her infectious warmth that keeps them at the table.

With gorgeous photography, original artwork, and transporting writing, Reem helps readers better understand the Arab diaspora and its global influence on food and culture. She then invites everyone to sit at a table where all are welcome.

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Arabiyya is a beautifully written and curated book including recipes by Reem Assil. Due out 19th April 2022 from Penguin Random House on their Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 304 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is so much more than a cookbook. It's a story of our interconnections as human beings and the role that food plays in culture and hospitality and feeding those we love. The author is a baker and first generation Arab American. She relates her experiences growing up as a person of color in a sometimes difficult and hostile society and her career path building a connection back to the traditional foods of her grandparents and her childhood.

The introduction is touchingly personal and direct. Growing up in "deepest darkest" WVa in the 70s and early 80s, one of my best friends came to the USA during the revolution in Iran and I also experienced second hand some of the anti-Arabic sentiment she lived with every day. While Ms. Assil doesn't shy away from her honest experiences or sugar coat them, she does relate the stories in a positive way, emphasizing the grit and perseverance of her family over the sadness and trauma.

The book also contains a wonderful selection of traditional recipes in addition to the warm personal reminiscences. The introduction covers the spices, blends, and ingredients used in Arab cooking, including some tips on sourcing difficult to find items, pantry lists, and staple bases/sauces. The following chapters contain the recipes, arranged thematically: baked goods & pastries, dinners & plates, vegetable dishes, and special occasions & drinks.

Recipes contain an introduction and descriptions, bullet point lists of ingredients (measurements are in imperial (American) units with some metric equivalents provided), and followed by general preparation directions. Header names are given in Arabic and English. The photography throughout is beautifully clear and colorful. Serving suggestions are attractive and appetizing. Tutorial/prep photos are easy to understand and are taken without hands or utensils in the way.

Five stars. It's a beautifully heartfelt celebration of delicious food and culture.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Arabiyya

by Reem Assil

Reviewed by annieb123 on Apr 5, 2022

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