An ode to Syria, recipes from the Syrian kitchen, and to family and friends.
'With this book, I hope to build a bridge between Syrian culture and the rest of the world, with food as common denominator. But even more, I hope that Sumac will present a positive image of my country, in spite of all of the unfortunate events now taking place in Syria.'
- Anas Atassi
Sumac is a deep red spice that adds a vibrant lift to all kinds of food, and is a prized ingredient in both traditional and contemporary Syrian cuisine. This book includes over 80 recipes inspired by Anas Atassi's family recipes and travels, as well as the stories, celebrations and memories of loved ones in Syria that inspired the recipes. It includes the wonderful Friday breakfasts he'd eat in his grandmother's garden, his mother's sfeeha, along with the falafel he now loves to make for his friends, along with many other mezze, salads, meats, vegetables, and desserts. Sumac is an evocative and inspiring food journey that offers a glimpse into Syrian food culture's deep historical roots, which through millennia of cultural traditions and neighbouring influences have been shared and shaped to perfection.
About the Author
Anas Atassi was born in Homs in Syria and now lives in Amsterdam. He has a great love for cooking and cherishes the memories of Syria from his childhood. The personal stories in Sumak were the inspiration for the dishes and build a bridge between Syrian culture and the world, with good food as a common denominator.
He speaks English fluently, confident to do media and radio.
Industry Reviews
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""This book is about humanity. Life. Beauty. Family. The heart of the home. The kitchen and The mother; whom ever she may be. Passing on a legacy of a place that was the hub of the gastronomic world. May she return once again from dark times. But until then, enjoy this book which takes you into a journey into the lives of Syrians, before the war, remembering home, the best way they know how, through the dinner table of their ancestors. This book is a delight and a celebration of everything that symbolises hope and connection. You just want to cook everything in it."" Joudie Kalla, author of Palestine on a Plate, @palestineonaplate
""Atassi deeply loves and respects his traditions and cuisine, his family, the cooking of his heritage. If he doesn't have nafas now, because he hasn't been cooking as long as the men and women who raised him, he will certainly find it, even far from home ... He recorded the recipes of his Syrian heritage to keep them alive ... to remember everything about the family table and its celebrations in the midst of a decade-long civil war ....""
-The Boston Globe
""Sumac is a vibrant gem ... this book artfully captures the brilliance and beauty of the cuisine of Syria.""
-Eat Your Books
""[Sumac] provides home cooks with a proper introduction to Syrian cooking ... [The] stories depict a life shared by many Syrians before the war cast them out and dispersed them all over the world, and through Sumac, Atassi hopes to give readers what he calls ""a positive image"" of Syria, despite the ongoing conflict within its borders.""
-Eater, The 17 Best Cookbooks of Spring 2021
""[A]n unusual personal memoir-cookbook hybrid ... It covers all the essentials common to culinary collections, with a spotlight on seasonings and sauces ... Each of the seven sections is prefaced by one of Atassi's memorable traditions, complete with family photographs and a full page story ... The 80 recipes, all accompanied by captioned color photographs, reveal even more customs and tastes ... An easy-to-try cuisine with no attitudes.""
- Booklist (starred review)
""Atassi debuts with an inspired collection of traditional and contemporary recipes from his homeland ... The recipes are accessible even for less experienced cooks, and ... the ingredients should be easy to source at most grocery stores. A handy section on setting up a Syrian pantry and a collection of recipes for frequently used condiments and sauces will acquaint home cooks with the basics, and the author's inviting tone and balance of instruction and reflection amp up appeal. Those with an interest in Syrian cuisine couldn't hope for a better starting point.""
-Publishers Weekly
""Sumac is an appealing cookbook for foodies who are looking to expand their culinary repertoires while learning about Syria.""
- Foreword Reviews
""Sumac features the incredible cuisine of Syria with 80 traditional and contemporary recipes, gorgeous photography, and family memories ... Every single recipe I have tried so far has been remarkable ... Sumac is a wonderful book for those interested in Syrian cuisine. Recipes range from quick dips and appetizers to more intricate and time consuming meals and desserts. There is also a great variety of breakfast items, meat, fish, street food, vegetarian options, and sweets. Most of the dishes are an excellent choice for entertaining and family-style meals.""
- Tara's Multicultural Table"
