Customer Reviews

New Food of Life: Ancient Persian & Modern Iranian Cooking & Ceremonies

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is the best cookbook I own. Its layout is clear and simple. The recipies are easy to understand and clearly written. It is the most complete book I've ever seen. New food of life explains how to prepare fresh spice mixtures for it's own dishes, includes variants for different ways of preparing each dish, contains nice photos which help for presentation ideas, contains conversion tables for ovens, weights and measures as well as historical notes and even a list of Persian markets in the US. This is easily one of the most valuable cookbooks you will ever buy. It's definitely worth the money!!!

I am an American who loves many kinds of ethnic cuisine. When I married my husband (who is from Iran), we received this book as a wedding gift. The first dish I made was the fresh herb stew, which is my husband's favorite. He was so delighted with how it turned out, he said, "It tastes very much like what my Mom used to make!"

The directions for each recipe are clearly written. There are beautiful pictures, interesting tidbits and cultural info scattered throughout. It is THE book I turn to when we have Persian gatherings at our house, not only for the recipes but also for learning about the culture.

I have made many of the recipes in this book and they have all turned out wonderful. I recently made Halva (saffron brownie) which is served in memorial of the passing of a loved one. Our guests could not believe the American wife could make great tasting Halva! Many of the Persian wives either don't know how to make it well or say it's too difficult to bother with. Thanks to the author for helping me to impress our guests!

I was first introduced to Iranian cooking in college while living with an Iranian roommate and fell in love with Persian cuisine. Every dish I have prepared out of New Food of Life has become a favorite in my repertoire of recipes. Many recipes are time-consuming, but well worth the effort, similar to the philosophy of French cooking. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves good food and loves cooking. This book is also filled with beautiful photographs, artwork and interesting information about Iranian culture and traditions (esp the last section of the book, which details traditional ceremonies and holidays), which also makes this a nice reference for people interested in Iran's rich culture and history. This is one of my favorite cookbooks. Highly recommended.

Fantastic book about Iranian dishes and culture. Full of pics. Must have. Iranian food is the best.

I consider this book as one of the best cookbooks of all time, and let me just say that I have read a lot of cookbooks in my day. Its recipes, photos, stories and passion for cooking make it an outstanding work. The author knows what she is talking about and mixes her know-how with a love for food and culture. Not only does one learn how to make a meal but also how to enjoy it and where it comes from. There is nothing phony or forced about this cookbook. It is mouthwatering to read and allows me to make mouthwatering dishes for my family and my friends. Kudos! And I think everyone should have a copy and give one out as a gift. I received this book as a gift and cannot think of a better present. It's a door into a whole new world. Thank You.

Since unwrapping this book from its shipping box 2 weeks ago, I have already tried 7 or 8 recipes and each has been an absolute winner with my family. I've made soups, dips, stew, salad and Cornish hens stuffed with dried fruit. My husband is completely addicted to the cucumber pomegranate salad. The book sits on my coffee table and is a conversation piece. Guests love flipping through it, reading the lore and poetry, gazing at the gorgeous photography. Now all I need is a traditional Persian sofreh (dining cloth). Nush-e jan!

When my aunt decided it was time that I learned to cook persian food (I am half-Persian and all american :-)), she sent me out to buy this book. The carefully she would mark the recipes with special changes she had made herself over the years. Most receipes remained unchanged. Even my beoved aunt couldn't improve on this. My cousin, when he proposed to his opera-singer wife, presented her with a copy of this book and a diamond engagement ring tied ot the ribbon pagemarker.
Today I ordered one for my sister, a pediatrician in Nashville. It's time we passed down the recipes to her. :-)
These reciped are so good and so easy, you'll claim they are longtime family recipes kept secret over the generations...a little white lie I doubt the author would mind. :-)

enjoy!
Parry Aftab

What a masterpiece! So carefully presented & such beautiful pictures & arrangements. My wife (Not Persian) has fallen in love with this book & has discovered many tasty dishes that make our dining table a delight. A MASTERPIECE. Great book.

i especially loved ashe-reshteh recipe .my family and friends also enjoyed every meal that was prepared based on the recipes out of this book .As amatter of fact my mother-in-law who is the best cook herself has learned alot from this book herself.

Having grown up in an Armenian/Persian household, I never bothered to learn to cook the delicious Persian meals my mother could make. Why should I? It was easier to ask her to make whatever I had the hankering for (even when I moved out on my own)! I finally realized it was much more practical to learn to make some of the basic Persian dishes myself - after all she lives some 40 miles away. My mother gave me whatever recipe I asked for (a pinch of this, chop a bunch of that....) but this cookbook helped immensely by motivating me to cook Persian more often. Being single, it's easy to shove a Lean Cuisine in the microwave when you come home tired and beat. Looking at the beautiful photographs and recipes inspires me to cook these healthy dishes more often. Most of them are so easy and take no more effort than making any other decent meal. I love the presentation and explanation of the rituals and customs associated with certain occasions. Several months ago I invited friends over for "Persian Night" and what a lovely way that was to entertain. Everyone loved the food! I eventually had to buy a copy for my mother and then another for my sister because they were coveting mine a little too long.

Well, I'm getting hungry thinking about those recipes. Think it's time for some chicken kebab (I use my George Forman grill if I'm making a small serving) and saffron rice. Get this book - you'll love yourself for it. But watch out for your friends; they may want to eat at your place all the time (now I know how my mother feels).