Anissa Helou | Feast: Food of the Islamic World & Other Cookbooks

In this episode of Matbakh, we're joined by Anissa Helou, a renowned culinary historian, chef, and author celebrated for her extensive work on the cuisines and culinary heritage of the Middle East, Mediterranean, and North Africa. She has penned several award-winning cookbooks, including "Feast: Food of the Islamic World," "Sweet Middle East," "Lebanese Cuisine," "Levant," and "The Fifth Quarter: An Offal Cookbook," each offering a unique insight into the diverse culinary landscapes she explores.

0:00 Introduction: Overview of Anissa Helou's Culinary Legacy
01:24 Inspirations: Simone de Beauvoir & Jean-Paul Sartre's Impact
05:03 Arts and Culinary Fusion: Helou's Artistic Journey
07:37 The Cookbook Journey: Behind the Scenes
12:49 Maternal Influence: Shaping Helou’s Culinary Style
15:48 "Lebanese Cuisine": Making of the Cookbook
16:57 Culinary Traditions: Evolution in Middle Eastern Cuisines
19:41 Moroccan Street Food: Exploring Depth and Allure
23:58 "Feast": Exploring Islamic Culinary Traditions
31:54 Kibbeh Tradition: Preserving Timeless Recipes
32:30 Modernizing Loubyeh b Zeit: Adapting Tradition
34:09 Culinary Community: Importance of Chef Connections
36:02 Focus on Minced Meat: Versatility Across Cuisines
38:50 Quick Q&A: Insights on Culinary Preferences
46:02 Audience Q&A: Authenticity vs. Fusion in Middle Eastern Cuisine
47:29 Crafting Perfect Kibbeh: Achieving Ideal Crust
47:50 Zaatar’s Role: Cultural Significance in Middle Eastern Cuisine
48:37 Future Projects: Helou’s Upcoming Culinary Plans
49:50 Spices in Cuisine: Mastering the Balance
50:21 Lebanese vs. Syrian Traditions: Culinary Nuances
51:30 Transparency in Cooking: Honesty and Clarity
52:02 Advice to Aspiring Cooks: Helou's Tips for Chefs

Anissa Helou is a foremost expert on the rich culinary histories of the Middle East, Mediterranean, and North Africa. With a background that spans art, journalism, and cooking, Helou has dedicated her career to documenting and preserving the diverse food cultures of these regions. Through her detailed cookbooks and writings, she offers readers not just recipes but a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and historical contexts that shape these cuisines.

Connect with Anissa 👉   / anissahelou  

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns

Hosted by:
Mikey Muhanna 👉   / mikey_mu  

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   • Matbakh | Food of the Arab World  

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