Diasporican: A Puerto Rican Cookbook is a culture and history lesson, meticulously annotated, with recipes curated by Illyanna Maisonet. Due out 18th Oct 2022 from Penguin Random House on their Ten Speed Press imprint, it's 256 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
I learned a lot reading this book; about maritime trade, the history of Puerto Rico (often brutal, poverty stricken, and touched by injustice and racism), food security, resilience, and more. In addition to the understated pride and clear-sighted realistic memories of learning to cook under challenging conditions amidst generational poverty, the author provides more than 90 authentic (family) recipes.
The recipes are arranged thematically: frituras (fried), beans soups & stews, seafood, poultry, pork, beef, rice & other grains, salads & sides, and sweets & drinks. Recipe ingredients are listed bullet style in a sidebar with measurements in imperial (American) units, followed by step-by-step cooking directions. The author is generous with translations - I had no trouble understanding terms or ingredients.
Some of the seasonings and ingredients were unfamiliar to me, and will require access to an international grocery or specialist grocery, but many/most of the ingredients will be easily found at any grocery store in North America. The recipes are appetizing and the serving suggestions are attractive and portions are generous. Nutritional info is not included.
The photography is a standout success - lavish, in full color, and plentiful. About 20% of the recipes are accompanied by photos. There are also many location photos in the book, showing Puerto Rico and the people who live there as well as the diaspora who have emigrated.
Five stars. This is a very well written cookbook and a love letter to the culinary traditions of the island.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
No comments:
Post a Comment