Taste of Persia: A Cook's Travels Through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan - Naomi Duguid
When Naomi Duguid (author of Burma) researches her cookbooks, she immerses herself, learning recipes in homes, at village stalls, even by campfires. In Taste of Persia (Artisan, $35), she travels through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan. There are chapters on simple salads, dumplings and stuffed vegetables, soups and stews, flatbreads, and perfumed rice dishes (paying special attention to the tasty crust!). Easy to prepare, many of these recipes are based on the staples of the region: saffron, pomegranate molasses, yogurt, mint oil, rose water, and plenty of fresh fruits and herbs. The book features many of Duguid’s photos plus insightful short sidebars on everything from Azeri picnics and Georgian wines to Yazidi and Assyrian culture. Above all, Duguid was met with open-hearted hospitality, and she extends this same generosity to us with this collection.