Food: A Cultural Culinary History Season 1 Episode 12 Islam-A Thousand and One Nights of Cooking

In the twelfth and final episode of the first season of Food: A Cultural Culinary History, titled "Islam: A Thousand and One Nights of Cooking," viewers are taken on a journey through the rich and diverse culinary traditions of the Islamic world. From the simple yet flavorful dishes of the Arabian Peninsula to the intricate and elaborate feasts of the Persian Empire, this episode explores the ways in which food has played an integral role in Islamic culture, religion, and history.

Beginning with the origins of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula, the episode explores the Bedouin tradition of hospitality and the importance of food in bringing people together and creating a sense of community. Viewers are introduced to a number of traditional dishes, including shawarma, kabsa, and muhammara, that remain staples of Arabic cuisine today.

Moving on to the Islamic Golden Age, the episode examines the influence of Persian cuisine on Islamic cooking. Viewers are taken on a tour of the bazaars of Isfahan, where they can witness the immense variety of ingredients and spices available to Persian cooks. They also learn about the development of Persia's elaborate court cuisine, which was designed to impress and dazzle guests with its intricate flavors and lavish presentation.

Next, the episode looks at the spread of Islamic culinary traditions through the Islamic empire, from the Mediterranean to India. Viewers are introduced to dishes such as biryani, kebabs, and samosas, all of which have their roots in Islamic cooking. Along the way, they learn about the ways in which Islamic cuisine was influenced by the local ingredients and cooking styles of the regions where it traveled.

Finally, the episode explores the ways in which food has been used to bring people together and create a sense of unity in the Islamic world. From the communal iftar meals that break the fast during Ramadan to the enormous weddings and feasts that mark milestones in a family's life, food has always played a central role in Islamic cultural and religious traditions. Viewers are left with a sense of the richness, complexity, and (of course) deliciousness of Islamic cuisine, and an understanding of the ways in which it has shaped and been shaped by the cultures and traditions of the Islamic world.