The Balkan Kitchen: Recipes and Stories from the Heart of the Balkans

The Balkan Kitchen is Macedonian-born food writer Irina Janakievska’s debut cookbook about her family’s food from a region underrepresented in food writing, perhaps because its complicated history makes it hard to define its cuisine. But for this reason, Janakievska proudly shares what influences Balkan food through lengthy personal stories that lead directly into the recipes preserved in this book. 

Familiar flavors may appear under a different name, like tarator, a savory yogurt dip like tzatziki but served more like a cold soup, or klepe, meat or cheese dumplings with sweet paprika butter that evolved from Chinese buns and added some Italian flair. 

It is hard to overstate how comprehensive Janakievska’s coverage of Balkan food is–from veggie-forward starters, to meatier mains, seafood platters, breads and sweets–every country in the region is represented and celebrated with hefty portion sizes meant to be eaten in company. 

The Balkan Kitchen rewards curiosity: read carefully and you will receive a crash course in etymology that ties history and culture together in a way that is best displayed through food. 

Hardcover. Color photographs throughout.