A taste of Israel: from classic Litvak to modern Israeli

In author Nida Degutienė’s own words: ‘In Israel food holds a special place in Jewish life. From early morning until dawn the next day, Israelis are always nibbling on something and enjoying one another’s company, and on any given holiday festive tables groan under the weight of a multitude of dishes and goodies. This book is an open door into the kitchens of the ordinary Israeli home. It is also an invitation to explore the country’s diverse street food and offers a behind-the-scene glimpse at some of its gourmet restaurants. You’ll find recipes for dishes that do much more than satisfy hunger. They are memories and stories shared with me over the course of five years by Litvaks from Israel and South Africa, by my Israeli friends, by their mothers and their grandmothers. They reflect the traditions, history and customs passed down the generations. They are an attempt at returning a piece of Jewish heritage to the small but vibrant Jewish community in Lithuania.’

Available for the first time in English, A Taste of Israel describes the food through the eyes of a foreigner and non-Jew, who was lucky enough to become part of that Jewish community. Chapters are divided into the usual arrangement of appetizers, starters, mains and desserts, but there are also sections on the different religious festivals, as well as detailed information of what constitutes ‘kosher’. All the well-known classics are there, such as Gefilte fish, Knaidlach, Latkes and Challah, and more, in the 100 plus recipes, whether traditional or modern.