In this enriching Matbakh event, we delved into the world of Anissa Helou, a renowned culinary historian, chef, and author celebrated for her extensive work on the cuisines and culinary heritage of the Middle East, Mediterranean, and North Africa. Helou has penned several award-winning cookbooks, including "Sweet Middle East," "Lebanese Cuisine," "Levant," "The Fifth Quarter: An Offal Cookbook," and more, each offering a unique insight into the diverse culinary landscapes she explores.


CHAPTERS
0:00 Introduction: An overview of Anissa Helou’s contributions to culinary literature and heritage.
01:24 Inspirations: How Simone de Beauvoir & Jean-Paul Sartre influenced Helou’s perspectives.
05:03 Arts and Culinary Fusion: Helou’s journey through the arts leading to culinary exploration.
07:37 The Cookbook Journey: The process and passion behind writing her acclaimed cookbooks.
12:49 Maternal Influence: Reflections on her mother’s impact on her culinary direction.
15:48 "Lebanese Cuisine": Insights into the making of this landmark cookbook.
16:57 Evolution of Culinary Traditions: Discussing the dynamic nature of Middle Eastern cuisines.
19:41 Moroccan Street Food: The allure and depth of street food culture in Morocco.
23:58 "Feast: Food of the Islamic World": Helou’s exploration of Islamic culinary traditions.
31:54 Kibbeh Tradition: The significance of maintaining unchanged recipes like kibbeh.
32:30 Modernizing Loubyeh b Zeit: Adapting traditional recipes for contemporary tastes.
34:09 Culinary Community: The importance of connections among chefs and food practitioners.
36:02 Focus on Minced Meat: Discussing the versatility of minced meat in various cuisines.
38:50 Quick Q&A: Rapid-fire questions on culinary preferences and insights.
46:02 Audience Q&A on Authenticity: Preferences for Middle Eastern cuisine over fusion approaches.
47:29 Crafting the Perfect Kibbeh: Tips for achieving the ideal kibbeh crust.
47:50 Zaatar’s Role: The cultural and culinary significance of zaatar in Middle Eastern cuisine.
48:37 Future Projects: Helou’s upcoming plans and projects in the culinary world.
49:50 Spices in Cuisine: The art of balancing spices in dishes.
50:21 Lebanese vs. Syrian Traditions: Addressing the nuances between Lebanese and Syrian culinary cultures.
51:30 Transparency in Cooking: The value of honesty and clarity in culinary practices.
52:02 Advice to Aspiring Cooks: Helou’s guidance for the next generation of chefs and culinary enthusiasts.

Anissa Helou is a foremost expert on the rich culinary histories of the Middle East, Mediterranean, and North Africa. With a background that spans art, journalism, and cooking, Helou has dedicated her career to documenting and preserving the diverse food cultures of these regions. Through her detailed cookbooks and writings, she offers readers not just recipes but a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and historical contexts that shape these cuisines.

Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns
Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu/

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