Tanya Abraham, a connoisseur of history and a journalist by trade, dons the avatar of a culinary chronicler in her latest offering, ‘Eating with History.’
“Every project that I undertake bears an inextricable connection to my roots,” she reflects. Her formative years, gave birth to diverse recipes and had a profound influence on her.
Abraham’s book offers fresh perspectives on comprehending Kerala’s food culture. The book pays tribute to the ingenuity and efforts of numerous women in Kerala’s kitchens.
The genesis of her book can be traced to her earlier endeavour, ‘Fort Cochin,’ 2009. ‘Eating with History’ offers a tapestry of over 100 recipes curated from Kerala’s diverse communities.
At the centre of ‘Eating with History’ is Annie Burleigh, her grandmother, who was a freedom fighter, founder (Mahila Samajam), municipal councillor (Fort Kochi) and a culinary expert.
“In my grandmother’s kitchen, the culinary symphony unfolded with a medley of flavours, from sandwiches and pies to corned beef and smoked ham,” she reminisces.
When Abraham delved deeper into research, she uncovered the hidden threads that connect communities through an enchanting dance of flavours and traditions.
‘Eating with History’ is not confined to the gustatory senses alone. It’s an exploration of identity, heritage, and the profound yet complex connection between food and culture.