, she finds a resilient culture expressed through hearty, communal grains.
, she highlights the sophisticated use of fruits in savory stews ( khoresh ). Taste of Persia: A Cook’s Travels Through Armen...
The core of the book is the idea that political borders are often secondary to "culinary regions." Duguid focuses on the , which emphasizes balance, fresh herbs, and the art of the slow-simmer. By traveling through Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, and Kurdistan, she demonstrates that while these regions have distinct religious and political identities, they share a common pantry: pomegranate molasses, walnuts, saffron, and a devotion to tahdig (the prized crunchy crust of rice). Beyond the Kitchen: Food as Geopolitics , she finds a resilient culture expressed through