The Arab-Israeli Cookbook

The Arab-Israeli Cookbook is a well (and sensitively) written culturally diverse cookbook with recipes curated by Robin Soans. Originally published as a collection to go with the documentary series of the same name from 2005, this volume collects the actual recipes from the show. This reprint (due to the current political climate) from Aurora Metro Books is 96 pages and is available in paperback format.

The cultural aspects of hospitality, food, and gathering to eat together are so inextricably tied to our actual humanity that they can't be separated. Our climates, the areas we grow up, the foods which can be grown there, and how we gather to nourish ourselves are fundamental aspects of our existences. This book (and the associated TV series) are erudite and accessible, and important if we're ever going to move to a place of peace and stability. 

It's well photographed throughout. This isn't an updated/new edition, and most of the photos are still shots from the original 2005 series. As such, they're somewhat dated. The recipes are all perfectly usable and accessible, but this is an indie published book which was originally to coordinate with a TV docudrama, and graphically, it looks like it. For what it's worth, in a lot of ways, aesthetically, it *adds* to the authenticity and vulnerability of the situation.These recipes, many of which are personal family recipes, are appealing on an emotional level.The story about a village hummus recipe, and the maker, is direct and honest and told well. 

The included recipes, and they are myriad, are written cleanly and without embellishment. Recipe ingredients are written in a bullet list. Measurements are given in imperial (American) units, without metric equivalents. Most of the directions are written sequentially with conversational details added as asides. They're usable as they are, but are more like the result you'd get if you asked a family member for a traditional recipe from your own family than a polished commercially available recipe. Many of the ingredients will need to be sourced at international/Middle Eastern grocery stores or sourced online. 

Five stars. This would be a good choice for foodies, public and school library acquisition, and home use. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.