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Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies [Hardcover]

Najmieh Batmanglij
4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (144 customer reviews)

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Book Description

March 3, 2011
Completely redesigned for today's generation of cooks and food enthusiasts, the 25th Anniversary Edition of Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies by Najmieh Batmanglij provides a treasure trove of recipes, along with an immersive cultural experience for those seeking to understand this ancient and timeless cuisine. This edition is a more user-friendly edition of the award-winning and critically acclaimed cookbook series which began in 1986. Food of Life provides 330 classical and regional Iranian recipes as well as an introduction to Persian art, history, and culture. The book's hundreds of full color photographs are intertwined with descriptions of ancient and modern Persian ceremonies, poetry, folktales, travelogue excerpts and anecdotes. The 2011 Edition of Food of Life is a labor of love. The book began in exile after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 as a love letter to Batmanglij's children. Today, as accomplished adults in their own fields, her two sons, Zal and Rostam, encouraged her to redesign the book for their generation.

Food of Life propels Persian cooking into the 21st Century, even as it honors venerable traditions and centuries of artistic expression. It is the result of 30 years of collecting, testing and adapting authentic and traditional Persian recipes for the American kitchen. Most of its ingredients are readily available throughout the U.S. enabling anyone from a master chef to a novice to reproduce the refined tastes, textures, and beauty of Persian cuisine. Food-related pieces from such classics as the 10th century Book of Kings, and 1,001 Nights to the miniatures of Mir Mosavvar and Aq Mirak, from the poetry of Omar Khayyam and Sohrab Sepehri to the humor of Mulla Nasruddin are all included. Each recipe is presented with steps that are logical and easy to follow. Readers learn how to simply yet deliciously cook rice, the jewel of Persian cooking, which, when combined with a little meat, fowl, or fish, vegetables, fruits, and herbs, provides the perfect balanced diet.

ABOUT THE BOOK'S TITLE
Food of Life,
the title of the book, comes from the Persian words nush-e jan, literally "food of life"--a traditional wish in Iran that a dish will be enjoyed. For the updated 1993 edition the title was changed to New Food of Life. Now, for the 25th anniversary edition the title returns to its original name, Food of Life.

The full-color Food of Life 25th Anniversary Edition contains 50% more pages than its 2009 predecessor and special added features:
*New Recipes adapted from Sixteenth-Century Persian cookbooks
*Added vegetarian section for most recipes
*Comprehensive dictionary of all ingredients
*A glance at a few thousand years of the history of Persian Cooking
*Master recipes with photos illustrating the steps.
*Color photos of most recipes with tips on presentation
*Updated section on Persian stores and Internet suppliers
*Fahrenheit and Centigrade temperatures for all recipes
*Choices for cooking recipes such as kuku in oven or on stovetop.
*Encourages use of seasonal and local ingredients from farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs) sources or one's own backyard


Frequently Bought Together

Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies + Silk Road Cooking: A Vegetarian Journey
Price for both: $71.39

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  • Silk Road Cooking: A Vegetarian Journey $30.36


Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Batmanglij, an Iranian emigre who is a culinary historian, effectively weaves Iranian cookery with ancient Persian legends and poetry (unfortunately, many appear sans attributions or dates), and descriptions of traditional ceremonies and holidays. The author serves up a variety of delicacies, such as an eggplant with pomegranate appetizer; stuffed fruits or vegetables, or dolmeh, like grape leaves or apples stuffed with peas and meat; lamb's head and feet soup; omeletskookoofilled with meat, vegetables or herbs; lamb brochettes; stuffed fish with tamarind; sauteed brains; rice with sour cherries; rhubarb stew; mango pickles; carrot preserves; baklava; and hot and cold drinks. The uncomplicated recipes feature preparation and cooking times; lists of Iranian specialty stores in the U.S., and necessary kitchen equipment and ingredients for a Persian pantry, and a Persian-English glossary are included. Illustrations.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

One of the most exciting cookbooks I've seen in a while…I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in Iran's glorious food culture.

--Yotam Ottolenghi, The Guardian


Praise for the 25th Anniversary Edition

"A classic cookbook made even better...Gorgeous expanded edition."
--Russ Parsons, Los Angeles Times

"This summer's most coveted tome...the saffron-scented pages of which are guaranteed to create luscious new sense memories--and inspire future dinner invitations."
--Vogue

"Divine cookbook...stunningly beautiful..."
--Alice Waters

"Chefs across the country are at the forefront of Najmieh's fan base. They know what's good, and they are inspired by the ingredients and techniques she brings to the table."
--Bonnie S. Benwick, The Washington Post

"I love Persian Food....Exceptional cookbook, full, heavy, and good."
--Martha Stewart

Praise for past editions of this book:

The definitive book on Iranian cooking.
--Los Angeles Times

A stunning cookbook!
--Chicago Sun-Times

A jewel of a book, rich in photography as well as recipes.
--The Washington Post

A beautiful introduction to Persian cuisine & culture.
--USA Today

Too delightful to miss. -- --The New York Times


Product Details

  • Hardcover: 640 pages
  • Publisher: Mage Publishers; 25th Anniversary Edition edition (March 3, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 9781933823478
  • ISBN-13: 978-1933823478
  • ASIN: 193382347X
  • Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 1.8 x 8.7 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 5.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (144 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,967 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

NAJMIEH BATMANGLIJ, hailed as "the guru of Persian cuisine" by The Washington Post, has spent the past 30 years cooking, traveling, and adapting authentic Persian recipes to tastes and techniques in the West. The 25th Anniversary Edition of her book Food of Life: Ancient Persian and Modern Iranian Cooking and Ceremonies was called "This summer's most coveted tome" by Vogue. Her Silk Road Cooking: A Vegetarian Journey was selected as "One of the 10 best vegetarian cookbooks of the year" by the New York Times; and her From Persia to Napa: Wine at the Persian Table won the Gourmand Cookbook Award for the world's best wine history book of 2007. She is a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier and lives in Washington, DC, where she teaches Persian and Silk Road cooking, and consults with restaurants around the world. Her most recent book is Happy Nowruz: Cooking with Children to Celebrate the Persian New Year.

Customer Reviews

This is the Best Persian cook book. L. Momtahen  |  57 reviewers made a similar statement
The directions for each recipe are clear and easy to follow. Sonja Rowhani  |  52 reviewers made a similar statement
We had older edition of this book that we gifted to a friend and purchased this one. E. Zolghadr  |  22 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 56 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference on Persian cuisine March 31, 2000
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
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.
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53 of 54 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars You will impress your Persian friends! March 15, 2004
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
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!

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29 of 29 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars A perfect choice for those who eat with their eyes April 9, 2000
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
The food of Iran is rich and varied and embraces some of the most sophisticated dishes to be found anywhere. This beautifully produced cookbook provides recipes for a wide range of mouthwatering creations for every occasion, from quick appetizers and snacks to slowly cooked, robust stews and exotic desserts. Readers may find some of the ingredients called for, such as angelica, barberries, unripe grape powder, sahlab, and quince blossoms, hard to find, but most staples are readily available at Middle Eastern groceries and well stocked supermarkets. There is much pleasure to be derived from merely looking at the stunning illustrations, which is reason enough to want to own this book.

I also wish to recommend "Recipes and Remembrances from an Eastern Mediterranean Kitchen," by Sonia Uvezian. This is a cookbook unlike any other and indispensable reading for lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Persian cook book
This cook book is for those who want to make traditional, authentic persian food. If you precisely follow the instructions every meal will be divine. Read more
Published 9 hours ago by Jackie White
5.0 out of 5 stars Great food in here
Bought this as a gift and every time I've been lucky enough to be around when the person used it the food has been amazing.
Published 11 hours ago by Brian Kumpf
4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely book with pretty pics
This book is one of the most comprehensive source of persian cooking book in English with original recipes from different part of Iran. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Mahsa
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book
I cannot find the words to describe how good this book is. Completely fool proof. Every recipe comes out exactly as it should. Read more
Published 11 days ago by Shahrzad Hone
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Paersian Cookbook
I was born in Iran. I left Iran when was 22 years old. I have purchased several Persian cookbooks during the past 40 years. This cookbook is my favorite. Read more
Published 15 days ago by Samad Hayati
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and accurate!
My family is Persian, and I grew up eating delicious Iranian food growing up, so when I moved out, I knew I had to keep the tradition going. Read more
Published 17 days ago by Farrah
5.0 out of 5 stars Will recommend to everyone
Fantastic book, it is the best Persian cook book around, easy to follow the receipts, perfect for a someone to learn how to cook
Published 21 days ago by Mrs Shirin Happ
5.0 out of 5 stars I have never seen a book like this!!!!
This book is amazing. Its a heavy whopping 640 pp with great quality pictures. This book has stories about a land far far away, short jokes, historic facts all the while... Read more
Published 1 month ago by FFJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Great food!
I got this cookbook a little while ago and its pages are already stained with food spatters, etc. I use it all the time. Every recipe I have tried has turned out. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mary Lou Simmelink
5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth it
This is the best cookbook I've ever read. I am of middle eastern origin but have had limited exposure to Persian food. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Nature lover
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