An enthralling intimate collection of essays and over 75 recipes exploring the history of
eight countries to understand the impact of geopolitical conflict and its outcomes on cuisine
and food system from Somali refugee and James Beard Award-winning author of In Bibi's Kitchen
. Countries dealing with major conflict are rarely portrayed in a well-rounded light by the
media. Images of disarray and decline saturate their narratives ignoring the strength
resourcefulness and ingenuity that arise from having to navigate conflict. With empathy
curiosity and an insistence on sharing different aspects of human survival Hawa Hassan
gathers singular multifaceted narratives for eight countries from around the world. Each
chapter is devoted to a different country and opens with an informative essay on the culture
and its history. Recipes follow highlighting indigenous ingredients and share intimate
portraits of the people preserving food culture including food from: • Afghanistan such as
Bolani (Stuffed Flatbread) and Borani Banjan (Stewed Eggplant with Garlic Yogurt) • Democratic
Republic of Congo such as Chikwanga (Cassava Flour Cake) and Pondu (Cassava Leaf Stew) •
Egypt such as Ta'ameya (Fava Bean Fritters) and Ghorayeba (Shortbread Cookies) • El Salvador
such as Sopa de Res (Beef Shank Soup) and Pupusas con Curtido (Filled Masa Flatbreads with
Cabbage Slaw) • Iraq such as Shorbat Adas (Lentil Soup) and Bamia (Lamb and Okra Stew) •
Lebanon such as Malfouf (Stuffed Cabbage Rolls) and Mouhamara (Spicy Walnut and Red Pepper
dip) • Liberia such as Ground Peanut Soup and Kala (Sweet Fried Dough) • Yemen such as
Saltah (Lamb Stew with Fenugreek Fruth) and Sahawiq An original and groundbreaking work
Setting a Place for Us returns agency to the people whose stories up until now have been
ignored in the media. It sheds light on the important work of preserving recipes and food
traditions in places of conflict and migration.
