Tea and Pomegranates

by Nazneen Sheikh

Nazneen Sheikh has lived among the kings and queens of Mughal food—in fact, they're family. Through tales of her Kashmiri relatives and the wonderful meals they have shared together, she brings alive the food-mad history and enduring culture of the Mughal people. Pink tea served in a samovar by her grandmother, a gift of wild black mushrooms from her matinee-idol uncle, her aunt Khush's secret recipe for Kashmiri hareesa—the sight, smell and taste of these and other delicacies infuse Nazneen's memories of her childhood. From entertaining Pakistani cabinet ministers to feasting to end Ramadan and picnicking in the countryside, Tea and Pomegranates is a culinary delight. In ten chapters, each accompanied by a rare and delicious Mughal recipe, Nazneen invites us to enjoy a banquet that starts at the break of day and ends at night. As captivating as a novel, this unique memoir takes the reader on a fascinating journey into a culture that never fails to celebrate the rich possibilities of food, life and love. ACP Cookbook Award - Literary Food Writing Finalist 2006

Genres: Nonfiction, Food

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this memoir by a woman who grew up in Pakistan and who recounts her fond memories of family, food and culture. Her family origins are from the Kashmir area of India. Her whole family enjoyed food and cooking and their lives seemed to revolve around the magical dishes each member (mostly the females) specialized in. Having lived, temporarily, in Pakistan and Turkey in my childhood, I enjoy reading about this area of the world. The author's fluid and descriptive writing style immediately drew me into her world; a very sensuous world of exotic tastes, colours, shapes, smells and experiences, which reverberated strongly within me. The author included a recipe at the end of each chapter, some of which I look forward to making! Overall, a short, very enjoyable read if you enjoy food and history.

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book for perspective. I didn't know much about the Kashmir region and the debate between India & Pakistan - and I knew pretty much nothing about the culture and food of this region. This book is a little reminescent of the Francis Mayes book about Tuscany - except Nazneen is not a visitor but a citizen of rank. Because I've read so many "back streets of Kolkata"-style books from this area of the world, it's interesting to see how the other 2% live, whilst the 98% live waist deep in poverty.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from a friend who knows that I love both tea and pomegranates and who supports local writers.

The sub-title of the book is - A Memoir of Food, Family and Kashmir.

I spent a number of weeks in Kashmir in 1973, living on a houseboat on Dal Lake and so was thrilled to read a book about Kashmir!

Each of the ten chapters in this book conveys factual and social history as well as the importance and celebration of food in the Kashmiri culture. And each chapter ends with a recipe!

This is a small-sized book and includes maps and photos.

A lovely read.

A book I keep close.

[Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I have never read a book like it before where food, history, culture and a memoir is weaved so naturally together. The focus is food, but the substance is in how food so subtly yet powerfully influences a family, a people and their culture, and a history of a country. The best way to summarize this book is a quote from one of the book's reviews, "I wanted to run to the kitchen to try her recipes, but I couldn't put the book down."

[Kelli Bullock · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is not often a book truly touches me but this one did. I was transported into a lost world of Pakistan and the Kashmir. It made me want to search out and discover the food talked about in this book. This was the first food memoir and I must say it is a genre I will be looking at again.

[Shahnaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved reading 'Tea and Pomegranates'...since it is all about my ancestoral home 'Kashmir' and my family...aunts,uncles and my loving parents..

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting memoir of family and food and Kashmir.

[Rock Angel]

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