Book Size: 7.5 x 9.75
Pages: 248
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781623718978
Imprint: Interlink Books
Edition: 1
Photography by: Rania Kataf & Jeroen van der Spek
Illustrations: Illustrations, color
Release date: Spring 2021
Category: CookbooksSumac
Recipes and Stories from Syria
By Anas Atassi • Photography by Rania Kataf & Jeroen van der Spek
$ 35NPR BEST COOKBOOK OF 2021
“As a Syrian who has had, due to the devastation of war, to spend most of his life outside Syria, Atassi presents the food that creates the feeling of home, gathering memories, flavors, and dishes both as a homage to his mother and his homeland. It is a remarkably generous book that wants you the reader to take pleasure in the food that means so much to him. And reading this book, I long, too, to savor those meals and those flavors.” — Nigella Lawson
About this book
Exploring the connection of food and culture
The Syrian kitchen, shaped by influences from neighboring countries, has deep historical roots and evolved to perfection over thousands of years.
Sumac is filled with traditional and contemporary Syrian recipes that were inspired by personal stories. The gorgeous photography illustrates how beautiful this country was and still is, and family photographs add depth to the author's history. Each chapter is filled with the author's memories of family celebrations and the country that inspired the book. He tells stories of traditional weekend breakfasts in his grandmother's garden and of the mezze his mother cooked for family gatherings. There are memories of the rich aromatic flavors of the Syrian kitchen where fragrant spices like the lemony and deep red sumac are prized ingredients.
In the author's words: "With this book, I hope to build a bridge between Syrian culture and the rest of the world, with food the common denominator. But even more, I hope that Sumac will present a positive image of my country, in spite of all the unfortunate events now taking place in Syria."
- Over eighty recipes, inspired by the author's family recipes and his travels
- Beautiful location photography by Rania Kataf, who shot Humans of Damascus
- For anybody curious about a country so often in the news headlines but so difficult to visit as a tourist
About the author
Anas Atassi was born in Homs, Syria and now lives in Amsterdam. Every summer the whole family went back to Homs to be together and celebrate the season. Good food was an important part of that celebration and Anas has remained a lover of Syrian cuisine which started his great love for cooking. Sumac: Recipes and Stories from Syria is his first cookbook.
Reviews
NPR BEST COOKBOOK 2021
“A gorgeous new cookbook … Anas shares recipes (his mother’s) and stories from his homeland in Syria. Totally stunning ….” —BBC Good Food Magazine
“[A]n unusual personal memoir-cookbook hybrid … It covers all the essentials common to culinary collections, with a spotlight on seasonings and sauces … Each of the seven sections is prefaced by one of Atassi’s memorable traditions, complete with family photographs and a full page story … The 80 recipes, all accompanied by captioned color photographs, reveal even more customs and tastes … An easy-to-try cuisine with no attitudes.” —Booklist, Starred Review
“This book is about humanity—life, beauty, family, the heart of the home, the kitchen and the mother, whomever she may be … passing on a legacy of a place that was the hub of the gastronomic world. This book takes you on a journey into the lives of Syrians, before the war, remembering home, the best way they know how: through the dinner table of their ancestors. It is a delight and a celebration of everything that symbolizes hope and connection. You just want to cook everything in it. I loved it. It’s beautiful. ” —Joudie Kalla, author of Palestine on a Plate and Baladi
“Sumac features the incredible cuisine of Syria with 80 traditional and contemporary recipes, gorgeous photography, and family memories … Every single recipe I have tried so far has been remarkable … Sumac is a wonderful book for those interested in Syrian cuisine. Recipes range from quick dips and appetizers to more intricate and time consuming meals and desserts. There is also a great variety of breakfast items, meat, fish, street food, vegetarian options, and sweets. Most of the dishes are an excellent choice for entertaining and family-style meals.” —Tara’s Multicultural Table
“Atassi debuts with an inspired collection of traditional and contemporary recipes from his homeland … The recipes are accessible even for less experienced cooks, and … the ingredients should be easy to source at most grocery stores. A handy section on setting up a Syrian pantry and a collection of recipes for frequently used condiments and sauces will acquaint home cooks with the basics, and the author’s inviting tone and balance of instruction and reflection amp up appeal. Those with an interest in Syrian cuisine couldn’t hope for a better starting point.” —Publishers Weekly
“Sumac is the vibrant gem … this book artfully captures the brilliance and beauty of the cuisine of Syria.” —Eat Your Books
”Sumac is an appealing cookbook for foodies who are looking to expand their culinary repertoires while learning about Syria.” — Foreword Reviews
“When I’m looking to cook something transportive, I go straight to Sumac, Anas Atassi’s love letter to Syrian cuisine … Atassi is an accomplished Syrian chef who has spent most of his life living outside his homeland due to the civil war, and his efforts to memorialize and revive his family traditions through recipes are precious. I already know my winter table will be piled high with lamb koftas, musakhan wraps, and if I’m feeling ambitious, syrupy walnut baklava.” —Food52, “28 Best New Cookbooks of 2021”
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