Parwana: Recipes and Stories from an Afghan Kitchen

Parwana: Recipes and Stories from an Afghan Kitchen" is a culinary journey like no other. This captivating book not only shares delicious Afghan recipes but also delves into the rich tapestry of Afghan culture and traditions. Each page is filled with vibrant storytelling and mouthwatering recipes that transport readers to the heart of Afghanistan. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this book offers something for everyone. Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and delighted by the flavors and stories that fill the pages of "Parwana." Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the diverse and delicious world of Afghan cuisine.

Absolutely amazing cookbook...probably my favorite of my many cookbooks. Always enjoy trying new cuisine from places around the world but this book is especially superb. Zillions of photographs, photos of every recipe or close thereof, gorgeous color-scheme (all that teal/aqua/turquoise just makes everything look fresh and luscious) and the recipes are DELICIOUS. I also look forward to reading some of the cultural history and life story of the author. I grew up on a sheep farm so I always adore good lamb recipes which this cookbook has aplenty, while also having copious chicken, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes as well. The majority of recipes can be made with ingredients from a normal small-town grocery although I did order coriander seeds, a mortar and pestle, cardamom pods, chana dal (split yellow chickpea lentils), canoli tubes, rice, rose water and yellow split peas from Amazon.com because they weren’t available locally and I really wanted to try certain recipes. There are plenty of recipes that don’t require unusual ingredients and supplies. Lots of recipes utilize an onion, fresh tomatoes, sunflower oil and coriander. There are also a number of curry dishes that use cumin and turmeric if you like curries. I’m not sure I could even pick one recipe as a favorite because so many of them were some of the best foods I’ve ever had. The cream rolls (sort of like cream horns, using non-stick canoli tubes to wrap the pastry dough and then filling with a slightly sweetened whipping cream once baked) were soooo delicious: flaky and crispy while still soft and were made by my 9-year-old so if a kid can make them, I’m sure you can too! The filled flatbreads, bolinis, were extraordinarily delicious: there are recipes for four different fillings and I’ve tried the chicken and the potato (there is also a winter squash filling that looks amazing). Wonderful cucumber-yogurt sauces and the best chutney I’ve ever eaten: red pepper with red chili (chutney morcheh sorkh). The Afghan eggs I’ve already made numerous times because it’s the perfect combo of sautéed onion and chili pepper, eggs and fresh tomato. The kolcheh nowrozi (the patterned shortbread cookies I’ve pictured) were easy to make and gorgeous as well as a fun activity for my kids to draw designs in. I will mention that my rose water must be a different strength than the author’s so after I added the 2 1/2 tablespoons of rosewater, the dough and resulting cookies were absolutely inedible so they became just a gorgeous centerpiece so I’ll be making them again without the rosewater or with only 1/2 tsp or so. I also used less sunflower oil than some recipes called for. The mantu dumplings were my first time making dumplings from scratch and I found rolling the dough out quite difficult but soooo much fun to fold. If I made those again, I’d add more than the recommended amount of filling (which is made of cabbage, carrot and onion). The ground lamb kofta sauce is delicious...sort of like a gourmet chili. The beef kebab is one of my favorites too. And so many more recipes I plan to try!: cardamom pod milk tea, lamb kebabs, salad, rice dishes, etc. Beautiful and delicious! The perfect cookbook combo!

I bought this for my daughter to learn more about her heritage and Afghan food. It is laid out well and very colorful. The quotes and stories are wonderful and inspiring. My daughter actually cried when looking through it the first time and has already made several of the recipes. This was her favorite Christmas present this year.

Felt immersed in the authors well written historical accounts of Afghanistan blended in with personal stories on recipes. I enjoyed reading and thumbing through the photography. Tot is not a glossy book but befits the matt sheen with a nostalgic feel.First I checked the book out at local library to see if I would use the recipes. I could and found them appealing to my family’s tastes. We are a mixed culture of Asian and Persian so I am familiar with dishes as the Persian tastes and influence are there (common words and recipes). I am intrigued with the history lesson that was new to me and how it influenced Afghani cuisine. Would recommend to anyone interested in travel cuisine.

I was looking for an actual cookbook, and this is a good one, but the publisher steered the authors toward a silly coffee table book. The print is so small and poorly defined, pale brown on white or even pale blue, that it is impossible to cook from.So disappointing because this is a wonderful book, with a little story about each recipe, clear directions, and beautiful photographs. I hope when this goes into another edition, the authors will switch to a publisher that understands their book! I gave the book 5 stars, but the publisher would get one, or none if possible.

I was making a celebration dinner for some Afghanistan refugees. Everything I made came out really good. Would recommend.

Take it from an afghan daughter of a family that has owned an afghan restaurant for 15+ years, this recipe book is worth its weight in gold. Not only do the ingredients of this book stay true to roots, but the artistry in describing Afghan history, family values, and stunning pictures is enough bring much needed joyous conversation about Afghanistan amongst my family. I got this book for myself and as a conversation piece for my guests, but it has been passed between my parents, pored over page by page, then my in laws, and extended family. I will be purchasing another book, because my first copy has found a home at my aunts, and most likely more for gift giving. Well done Durkhanai, and thank you.

I adore this book! I really appreciate the way it offers some insights into history and culture of Afghanistan. It says how you can replace indregients which may be difficult to find, often offers step by step pictures on how to do certain things, and is very very user friendly in general. I've tried a couple of recipes already and they were all delicious and you can really tell it's an authentic taste. I can't recommend it enough!The only thing which I did not appreciate was the fact that the book (not the packaging) came a little damaged - the corner was heavily bent which takes a bit of a pleasure away from using the book.

If you are interested in Afghan cookery, this is a great book to have. I have Afghan friends and love the food, and wanted to try to make some for my family. These recipes and the stories included are wonderful

Wonderful book. Terrific recipes, well written, fascinating trip through Afghan food and family culture. And beautifully designed.

Interesting recipes and beautiful photographs.. gives one an inside into Afghan way of life and food..

I listened to the author's podcast and bought the book immediately! Not disappointed at all!