Ripe Figs by Yasmin Khan Book Review

 This attractive book is packed with beautiful photographs which document travels in the Eastern Mediterranean from Athens to the Greek Islands, from Cyprus to Turkey, including Istanbul. It showcases the eateries and people Yasmin Khan encounters, plus of course the lovely food of the region. The vivid colours of the fresh produce in street markets are evocative, making you want to cook up something vibrant and delicious too.  

Ripe Figs is the latest book from Yasmin Khan

There are many tempting dishes and Yasmin provides good clear recipes. I am eager to try a selection of these at home this summer to provide a virtual Mediterranean holiday – from the definitive tzatziki (yoghurt and cucumber dip) to the mixture of tahini and grape molasses which sounds a great alternative to peanut butter and jam! But there are also recipes to try all year round, like nourishing chicken soup.

Yasmin's accompanying travelogue reads as an honest snapshot of the region, which is coping with a massive influx of refugees often overlooked by the rest of the world. Here, the local community do what they can to offer the dispossessed a home and dignity.  They provide sustenance and comfort through the sharing of food, a common culture across the Eastern Mediterranean yet with endless variations.

Food can provide memories of home and connection to a community that gives hope. Yasmin offers a personal grounding in her own experience, accompanied by interviews with many inspiring cooks that are leading the way towards such unity. 

Overall, I found it interesting, delightful, and thought-provoking. A coffee table cookbook with a soul which is great for the armchair traveller and home cook. 

For news and updates, check out Yasmin Khan's official website 

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a review copy.