Sephardi: Cooking the History. Recipes of the Jews of Spain and the Diaspora, from the 13th Century to Today

In this cookbook, chef and scholar Hélène Jawhara-Piñer explores the culinary history of the Sephardic Jews, presenting over fifty culturally significant recipes from diverse sources dating back to the thirteenth century. Jawhara-Piñer provides enlightening commentary on the recipes, revealing societal issues of the time, and includes her own inspired recipes. Eating is a way to commemorate the past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Academic Studies Press

In this extraordinary cookbook, chef and scholar Hélène Jawhara-Piñer delves into the rich tapestry of culinary history, intertwining it with the profound essence of Jewish heritage. With an array of over fifty culturally significant recipes, she weaves together a narrative that spans centuries, drawing from a diverse range of sources. These recipes, steeped in the history of the Sephardic Jews, who were Jews of Spain and their diaspora, have been meticulously collected from medieval cookbooks, Inquisition trials, medical treatises, poems, and literature. The original sources, dating back to the thirteenth century and written in Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Occitan, Italian, and Hebrew, are presented in English translation, showcasing the culinary diversity of the Sephardim as they traversed the world, preserving their cuisine wherever they went. Jawhara-Piñer accompanies each recipe with enlightening commentary, shedding light on societal issues that ranged from anti-Semitism to social order. Moreover, she shares several of her own recipes inspired by her extensive research and academic studies, adding a personal touch to this culinary journey.

As one savors each creation and takes a bite of the dishes presented herein, they are transported to the most poignant and captivating chapters of Jewish history. Jawhara-Piñer serves as a reminder that eating is a powerful means of commemorating the past, connecting us to our ancestors and their legacies. Through her culinary expertise and scholarly insights, she invites readers to explore the multifaceted world of Jewish cuisine, unveiling its historical, cultural, and social significance.

This extraordinary cookbook is a testament to the enduring power of food to transcend boundaries and ignite our curiosity, offering a delectable journey through time and culture.

Dimension: 279 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644698617