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.
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