Dutch Feast

In the same way that British, Scandinavian, and German food have undergone a renaissance in recent years, Dutch cuisine is going to be the next big thing, according to writer and blogger Emily Wight. Her new cookbook reimagines traditional Dutch cooking, which has always been known for its thriftiness and practicality, with an emphasis on the ways that simple meals bring joy and comfort to the people who share them.

Influenced by its colonial history, with bold flavours from places like Indonesia and the West Indies, and by its proximity to its European neighbours, Dutch cooking is surprisingly diverse, and is noted for its celebration of the ritual of the meal as much as the meal itself. From gezellig to borrels, and gado gado to uitsmijter, Dutch Feast delivers unconventional (but familiar) and economical (but indulgent) recipes, and gives you a new excuse to invite everyone over for cold gin and a generous rijsttafel—an elaborate meal featuring a little dish of something for everyone.

Touching on Dutch history and the back stories of traditional ingredients (from licorice to herring to beer), Emily adds charm and sophistication to a cuisine that is wholesome, accessible, and stubbornly delicious.