Category: Immigrant recipes

A mother-daughter book celebrates the diversity of American food

Written by Allie Ginwala Indian-Ish is one of the most interesting cookbook releases of 2019. The author, food writer Priya Krishna, teamed up with her mother Ritu, to share unique recipes from their family. Ritu, an executive at a software company, taught herself how to cook after moving from India to the United States. She created one-of-a-kind recipes that fuse together traditional Indian flavors with staple American dishes. The title is filled with accessible and easy-to-make dishes that have been...

How to make the Nigerian soup Egusi

Egusi is a traditional dish that is popular throughout different areas of Nigeria, including among the Igbo people of the southeastern part of the country. The word “egusi” refers to the seeds of certain types of melon, gourds, and squash plants that are dried, milled, and used frequently in West African dishes. “The soup reminds me of our rich Igbo culture. It’s not eaten at any specific times, but is always prepared during occasions in Igbo land,” says Amara from...

Warm up with a vegan spin on traditional borscht this winter

“I love [Borscht] because it’s inexpensive, fulfilling, and always reminds me of my family,”  says Liudmila, a Russian immigrant and LEAD graduate from our 2017 spring series at the NYPL Mid-Manhattan branch. “Borscht is a traditional Russian-Ukrainian soup which is made of beets, cabbage, and potatoes.” “Usually it is prepared with meat, but I decided to make this recipe vegetarian,” Liudmila adds. “For those who still crave for some meat you can add it in the end of this recipe...

Make a pot of tomato sauce to share with friends and family

“Growing up, my great grandmother used to make this dish for special occasions when we were all together,” says Katie, a New Women New Yorkers volunteer. “As part of a big Italian family, some of my best memories are sitting all around the table enjoying a meal together,” she adds.   Katie’s great grandmother lived to be 103, and since her passing Katie has taken over making this dish for holidays. “It reminds me and my family of our Italian...