Setting a Place for Us - by Hawa Hassan (Hardcover)

About the Book

"An enthralling and intimate collection of essays and recipes that explores the history of eight countries to understand the impact of human conflict on a culture's cuisine and food system, from the James Beard Award-winning author of In Bibi's Kitchen"--

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Setting a Place for Us is more than a cookbook; it's a journey through eight countries' histories and tells the real stories of displaced people. Somali-American chef Hawa Hassan shines light on the cultural bonds in regions that have endured colonization and violence."--Epicurious

"Hawa has a beautiful way of weaving together food and emotions through stories, and it shows in Setting a Place for Us. This is far more than a cookbook; it is a journey of healing against a backdrop of unfathomable loss and chaos. I have learned and felt something new with each chapter, between the essential historical context of each place and the thoughtful care Hawa has put into capturing each recipe. The love and hope carried within this book are palpable, and I know I'll be returning to it time and time again."--Jenny Dorsey, chef, educator, and executive director of Studio ATAO

"Displacement is not a choice--no one chooses to leave their lands. They're kicked out from them, or they've run away from death and injustice. Even when displaced peoples are far from their homes, the one place to gather and find community is around the table. In Setting a Place for Us, Hawa beautifully pays tribute to these people, their stories, and the recipes that bring them together."--Kamal Mouzawak, founder of Souk El Tayeb

"I love Setting a Place for Us! It made me cry, it made me laugh, and it reminded me of the magical importance of food in bringing home to our lives even in exile. This book brings to life senses and emotions to the experience of displacement, wars, and resilience indeed."--Zainab Salbi, author and founder of Women for Women International and Daughters for Earth

About the Author

Hawa Hassan is James Beard Award winner, host of Food Network's Hawa at Home and Cooking Channel's Spice of Life, acclaimed author of In Bibi's Kitchen, and founder and CEO of Basbaas, makers of African-inspired sauces and condiments. An acclaimed speaker and presenter, Hawa has been covered by major international media including The New York Times, Vogue, Vanity Fair, The Wall Street Journal, Bon Appetit, The Seattle Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Thrillist, Ebony, The Ringer, San Francisco Chronicle, Forbes, The Washington Post, and New York Magazine.