Afghan Food & Cookery: Noshe Djan

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.

As for accuracy, I've tried 4 recipes from the book so far and they were all at least as good as anything I've had in New York City Afghan restaurants.

My only complaint is that there are no pictures at all - maybe this makes the book less expensive, but I kind of like a cookbook to have at least some aesthetic value.


Authentic! ............   March 23, 2002
Margaret (NYC)
19 out of 20 found this review helpful

...........and original, with simply marvelous desserts. This cookbook is wonderful because it offers a lengthy introduction that gives information to it's readers about the history of Afghanistan, the country's social and culinary traditions, it's special religious festivals, and takes us through the typical Afghani kitchen, explaining in terms that novices to the cuisine can easily understand. The recipes are divided into chapters including "breads" (we really enjoyed the "roht" recipe), "soups", "snacks", "pasta and noodles", "eggs", "kebabs" (which are a real treat!, try the do piaza), and "main dishes", "vegetable dishes", "pickles and chutneys", "fruits and desserts" (loved the sweet rice with fenugreek, sweet sticky rice pudding), "pastries, sweets and biscuits" ("elephant's ear, sheer payra were great, although the sheer payra needs about twice the recommended powdered milk), "jams and conserves" and "beverages".

We are still really discovering this cookbook, and it has already enriched our culinary experience. This cookbook is a great way to learn about and experience the cuisine of Afghanistan.


Thank you Helen Jhan !   June 12, 2001
15 out of 17 found this review helpful

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 !

Thanks

Marie - Sonoma, California


To Die For!   July 13, 2001
Zohra (Fremont, CA United States)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

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!!!


I'm very pleased with this book!   October 19, 2001
ShopsTooMuch (Virginia USA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

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.