DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

The Saffron Tales

Recipes from the Persian Kitchen

Yasmin Khan author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:7th Apr '16

Should be back in stock very soon

The Saffron Tales cover

A captivating exploration of Persian cuisine and culture, The Saffron Tales offers recipes and stories from Yasmin Khan's travels in Iran.

In The Saffron Tales, Yasmin Khan takes readers on a culinary journey through Iran, blending personal narratives with the rich flavors of Persian cuisine. Armed with a notebook and a bottle of pomegranate molasses, she traverses the diverse landscapes of Iran, from the snowy peaks of Tabriz to the vibrant streets of Tehran. Along the way, Yasmin is welcomed into the homes of local cooks, gaining insight into both the culinary secrets and the everyday lives of Iranians. Her experiences are not just about food; they are a celebration of culture, tradition, and hospitality.

The book features over 80 modern recipes that are deeply rooted in the Persian culinary tradition. From the savory fesenjoon, a delightful chicken dish with walnuts and pomegranates, to vegetarian options like tahcheen, a baked saffron rice dish, Yasmin’s recipes are accessible for home cooks. Each recipe is accompanied by stunning photography that showcases the beauty of Iran’s landscapes and the vibrancy of its food. Yasmin’s storytelling pairs beautifully with her culinary creations, making The Saffron Tales more than just a cookbook; it’s a love letter to Iran and its people.

Through her engaging voice and exquisite recipes, Yasmin Khan invites readers to explore the flavors of a beautiful country. The book is a glorious celebration of Iranian food, filled with stories from home kitchens that highlight the warmth and richness of Persian culture. It is a perfect blend of cooking and storytelling, offering a unique perspective on the heart of Iran.

One of the more engrossing cookbooks I read this year . . . Nations speak and, in some cases, survive through their culinary traditions. This book is an incomparable and important examination of Iranian society through its kitchens and cuisine -- Jessica Kaslow * Sqirl *
Food that’s tied to its source yet user-friendly enough for those unfamiliar with true Iranian cooking. Good stuff, in other words * Los Angeles Times *
Interesting food, approachable and just hits the spot, especially if you are a big fan of Ottolenghi -- Christopher Kimball * Milk Street Kitchen *
Yasmin Khan traversed Iran in search of the country’s most delicious recipes, adding her own modern twist to each dish * Independent *
Yasmin celebrates the rich history of Persian food with accessible recipes and enticing photographs. Fan of Ottolenghi? You’ll love this! * Good Housekeeping *
Delights that are achievable in a domestic kitchen, it is a balancing act of some beauty * Literary Review *
The recipes are sumptuous and the photos of this seldom glimpsed country are stunning * Delicious *
Yasmin Khan has lived and traveled widely in Iran, andThe Saffron Tales . . . reflects traditions she knows intimately. But she has the rare gift of being able to translate her personal heritage into recipes even newcomers will be able to pull off. * The New York Times Book Review *
[Khan’s] food is a sensitive balance of tradition with modern tweaks. * Los Angeles Times *
Of all the books I read for this roundup, [The Saffron Tales] had the most recipes I wanted to try. The combination of simple and unusual gets me every time. An omelette with dates and cinnamon was a delight. Olives marinated with walnuts and pomegranates were cocktail-hour crack. * The Wall Street Journal *

ISBN: 9781408868737

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 1028g

240 pages