Afghan Food & Cookery

By Helen Saberi

Book Overview

Situated at the crossroads of four major regions-the Middle East, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent and the Far East-Afghanistan has survived centuries of invasions, whether military, cultural or culinary. Its hearty cuisine includes a tempting variety of offerings: lamb, pasta, chickpeas, rice pilafs, flat breads, kebabs, spinach, okra, lentils, yogurt, pastries and delicious teas, all flavored with delicate spices, are staple ingredients. This cookbook includes over 100 recipes, all adapted for the North American kitchen, for favorites like "Mantu" (Pasta filled with Meat and Onion), "Shinwari Kebab" (Lamb Chops Kebab), and "Qabili Pilau" (Yellow Rice with Carrots and Raisins). The author's informative introduction describes traditional Afghan holidays, festivals and celebrations. Also included is a section entitled "The Afghan Kitchen," which provides essentials about cooking utensils, spices, ingredients and methods. Complete with b/w maps and illustrations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0781808073
• ISBN13: 9780781808071
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

easy and authentic

Having lived in Afghanistan many,many years ago this book was a great way to fulfill my nostalgic yearnings. I've often thought of Afghan food as the ultimate "comfort" food, but since I had a cook while I lived in Kabul, I never personally prepared any Afghan dishes. I do however, know when something tastes "right" and everything I've tried from this book has hit the mark so far. Tashakor, Helen!

I'm very pleased with this book!

Like the reader from Sonoma, I am also an American married to an Afghan. I always tease him and tell others that I married him for his food. We live a few states away from his family so if I want my favorite Afghan foods I have to cook them myself - which is what I can do now. My husband and I are quite pleased with the results so far. And the background into the Afghan culture and customs the author provides is an added bonus. It's neat because there are "answers" to questions that I've asked his sisters and they didn't know - they just do what Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma... do/did.

To Die For!

WoW!!! What a wonderful book! I was born in Afghanistan but have been living in California for the past 18 years. Since I left Afghanistan when I was only 2 years old, I don't have much memories but was raised with the great value of the Afghan culture. My mom is the best Afghan cook ever but when I try to learn from her, it is very difficult because she doesn't use exact measurements. It's usually a handful of this or a pinch of that... This is the first book I have found that makes it SO easy to follow and cook the best food in the world. The best part is- it's in plain english! I enjoyed it so much that I bought 2 more for my older sisters. Yum Yum Yum! THANKS HELEN!!!

Thank you Helen Jhan !

I am an American married to an Afghan and this book has made it possible for me to cook all of my husbands favorite dishes. I also now am able to cook for my two boys Chris and Jon so when they visit relatives they can appreciate the food of their culture. Many of the dishes I take to parties ie: buranee, chalow's and oh yes, the kebobs! I have heard "through the grape vine" and having been told by MANY of my Afghan relatives that I cook like "back home". This really makes me proud and I am sure for my husband too. The recipes are simple and easy to prepare. Helen has taken all the mystery out of afghan cooking ! Helen tasha kure. Great Job !ThanksMarie - Sonoma, California

Nice fun introduction to Afghan cookery

A small paperback, this book is a great introduction to Afghan cooking. The author, married to an Afghan, gives us in insider's view of the culture too. Recipes are practical. Afghan names of ingredients are Dari (Afghan Persian) rather than Pashto. Nice line illustrations.