The Saffron Tales: Recipes from the Persian Kitchen

I have studied art and the art of cooking almost my whole life. I have collected and used cookbooks from nearly every culture and country, as well as corresponding ingredients and spices. But I lacked a good Iranian cookbook, and wondered what I would find in this one. Well, I am not only impressed, can hardly wait to get into the kitchen to try some of the recipes I've bookmarked. It will be fun to use some spices and ingredients have been waiting their turn. But what really recommends this book are the gorgeous photos and the well-written prose. There is a certain warmth to the details giving context to each Ingredient and recipe. I felt sun shining on the kitchen, and was amazed by the colors and combinations of foods. This is a cookbook that is organized, well edited, and has all the necessary parts, such as a glossary, sections for categories, and references. I'll be reading this In place of my typical novel, for quite a treat.

I read about the story behind the cookbook and was interested in that as much as the recipes themselves - the family history, and the stories of where the recipes come from, as well as the country itself. All of that is really fun to read about, and is nicely weaved into the recipes. But it's not just the stories. The food is so, so good. I'm not a good cook, and I've never cooked Persian food at home, but there's so much in this book that is simple to do (while looking v v impressive to the dinner guests.) The red cabbage and date salad is better than any coleslaw I've ever bought, Chicken with walnuts is the easiest complicated thing I've ever tried, and the easy naan is even easier than the name suggests. Also, super important in our house given we're 50% vegetarian, not only are there lots of veggie dishes, but the meat recipes often have a postscript outlining a vegetarian alternative. This is a great cookbook, especially if you're interested in what food means for a country and the people who live there.

My friend had taken her other cookbook out of the library, Zaitoun, and I flipped through and tried a recipe or two. Then when I saw The Saffron Tales, I fell in love with the cover and the reviews made me purchase it. I'm so glad I did. Throughout 2020, I made about 20 of the recipes, and each one worked. My nephew-in-law, who grew up on Persian food, said the recipes were authentic and similiar to the ones his mom made - and missed!! Once we get through the pandemic, I hope to cook these for him - and also cook with his mom. The recipes are fresh, eye-opening flavors that pop. A trip to the local MidEastern grocery, I was able to purchase all that I needed in that one trip to stock my spice cabinet. It's been magical. And it seems like Yasmin is in the kitchen with me given the way she explains each dish. Can't wait for the next cookbook.

I’m a cookbook junkie. I have several Persian and Iranian cookbooks and each has its particular “flavor”. This one has clearly written and beautifully illustrated recipes which are well-defined and generally (relatively) easy to execute. The narrative portions and regional notes are well-photographed and nicely written. The Ghalia Maygoo on page 162 is particularly delicious……..

I haven't had much experience with Persian food and there are combinations that I would not have thought would work, but they do! Mostly great recipes. One that slightly misses the mark is the pomegranate and sour cherry sponge cake. The sponge cake part of the recipe is not that great. It is still acceptable, but the entirety of it is excellent. Next time I make it, I will swap out the sponge cake recipe for a better one.

The book is great ! Unique recipes . Question is why did I order a new book but i I got one with food stains 🤷🏼‍♀️ It was wrapped in plastic. Looked like new . Once I opened it there are sticky stains and even flour . I found a folded page too. It’s really not a big deal . But this item had to be sold as USED.

I love this book, because it has colorful pictures on every other page. Each recipe has a picture to where you know what it’s supposed to look like in the end. Someone who is such a picky eater like myself wants to make every recipe in the book. The recipes seem easy to understand. Can buy almost all the ingredients at local grocery store like Giant.

Came packaged well. It looked well thought out. It was also beautiful to look at. I haven’t tried the recipes but everything g besides that was well done.

Love this book.

Right, where to start... I initially bought this book for my mother for Christmas. It arrived today and I’ve just finished reading through it and I am not only, over the moon with all the delicious recipes but I’m also so proud of my culture and how it’s portrayed in this book. My mother obviously doesn’t need recipes from her own motherland however this is still the perfect gift for her. Some of our most classic dishes, slightly westernised but still familiar to her taste palette. Filled with stories that’ll be sure to warm the coldest of hearts! That being said, this book still stays true to traditional Persian recipes and cooking and is just beautiful. To the person who’s left a review referring to the food as ‘bland’ as it lacks spices. If you’re looking for recipes with more of a kick, then this isn’t the book for you and you’d be better off purchasing south Asian cook books or places more commonly known for spices. However, if you’re looking for punchy, flavourful, FRAGRANT (above all) food then please don’t look any further. Just a stunning book all round filled with beautiful recipes. I urge anyone who’s unsure to do themselves a favour and buy this book. I know some of you might see this as a bias review but I grew up in London disliking Persian flavours and food and honestly wouldn’t give it the credit if I felt people from all backgrounds wouldn’t love this book. This book is easy to understand, well presented and everything a cookbook should be. To all foodies and lovers of good food and damn good rice, look no further. Now to buy one for myself!

Its an amazing book, beautiful pictures from the culinary plates and from Iran, a wonderful country with the most delicious food in the world. I recommend it for everyone who wants to create fantastic Persian meals.

I love this book not just for the recipes but also the pictures and the feeling it gives me looking at those pictures bringing me back to my childhood.

Colourful photos and interesting writing accompany Iranian recipes. Clear instructions for a cuisine which is, as yet, little known in the Western world. The recipes look amazing.