Pomegranates & Artichokes

Recipes and memories of a journey from Iran to Italy.

"Refreshingly unusual in its concept and geographical spread, filled with heady pleasure, deep locality and genuine know-how, Pomegranates & Artichokes is also quite possibly the most beautiful cookbook I have ever seen." Caroline Eden

When Iranian writer and food photographer Saghar Setareh moved to Italy at the age of 22, she was enchanted by the rich food culture of her adopted country, and this inspired a curiosity in the cuisine of her homeland and the surrounding countries of the Levant and Eastern Mediterranean. 

Pomegranates & Artichokes is the story of Saghar's own culinary journey from Iran to Italy, in which she describes the many parallels that link Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food cultures, and shows how ingredients and recipes - unconstrained by borders - are shared and transformed through the immigrant experience.

Divided into three sections representing stops on Saghar's culinary 'road trip' - Iran, In Between and Italy - this book features more than 80 recipes celebrating the foods of these regions. Among the highlights are a simple Iranian breakfast platter, a celebratory Persian feast, Sicilian-style stuffed artichokes, guinea hen braised with pomegranate, sweet-sour meatballs from Aleppo, a Roman ricotta and wild cherry pie and a velvety Middle Eastern milk pudding. Illustrated with Saghar's own beautiful photography, and peppered with personal insights and experiences, Pomegranates & Artichokes tells the story of two food cultures, and the delicious space in between. "Rich with detail, this beautiful and beautifully written book bridges two culinary worlds and invites us to cook."Rachel Roddy 

Just like the beautiful Iranian tapestries featured in the book, Saghar's food and story is rich with culture, history and beauty.

"With her debut cookbook Pomegranates & Artichokes, Saghar Setareh guides us on a spirited and soulful culinary journey. Setareh's stunning photography casts a warm light on the true essence of the people and cuisine of each region. This is not a cookbook lost in the nostalgia of a bygone era, but an invitation to Setareh's table firmly planted in the here and now. And what a delicious table it is. I can't wait to get cooking from this beautiful cookbook!" Naz Deravian