NPR BEST COOKBOOK 2021 Exploring the connection of food and culture with
traditional and contemporary Syrian recipes that were inspired by personal
stories “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 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 Read more