“All the tiniest steps described in preparing these dishes are small indispensable gestures of caring in which cherished memories of trust and of closeness to loved ones are stored for safe keeping.”
—From Forever Beirut: Recipes and Stories From the Heart of Lebanon
Written in response to the disastrous 2020 Port of Beirut explosion, this collection of 100 traditional Lebanese dishes by Massad, an award-winning cookbook author, honors victims of the blast with a portion of proceeds going to the Lebanese Food Bank. For Massaad, these recipes represent more than just sets of ingredients. They embody cherished customs, handed down through generations, a connection to hours
and her country’s past. Massaad shares personal stories, history and traditions alongside instructions for everything from baba ghanoush to Aleppo kebab to turmeric cake, with an entry for each dish. The effort results in an engrossing read that brings Beirut’s food scene, renowned as one of the culinary capitals of the Arab world, to vivid life. By tying these recipes to her own memories and culture, Massaad has created a work that satiates the pallet and touches the heart.