NPR Unveils Top 10 Picks to Captivate Your Senses
In 2025, NPR highlighted a selection of cookbooks that encapsulate diverse culinary traditions and innovative recipes. Each book offers a unique taste experience, with contributions from renowned chefs and food writers. Below are some standout titles to captivate your senses.
NPR’s Top Cookbook Picks for 2025
By Heart: Recipes to Hold Near and Dear
Author Hailee Catalano invites readers into her family’s food journey. This cookbook features comforting dishes inspired by her culinary education and personal experiences. From Sunday gravies to seasonal ingredients, this collection promises a delightful dining experience.
Celebrate: Joyful Baking All Year Round
In his latest work, Paul Hollywood captures the joy of baking with accessible recipes. Highlights include a Zucchini and Lime Cake and easy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these recipes transform baking into a celebration.
Dinner: 120 Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes
Meera Sodha’s work focuses on meatless meals that are both innovative and comforting. With dishes inspired by Indian cuisine, the book features favorites like Asparagus and Cashew Thoran. Each recipe encourages creative cooking and the use of vibrant flavors.
Kwéyòl / Creole: Recipes from a St. Lucian Chef
Chef Nina Compton shares her culinary heritage through beautifully crafted dishes. From Beef Empanadas to Mango Crème Brûlée, this book showcases the flavors of St. Lucia and the Caribbean. Each recipe reflects Compton’s passion for her roots and culinary artistry.
Milk Street Backroads Italy
Christopher Kimball and J.M. Hirsch explore the culinary gems of Italy with this regional cookbook. The authors present classics like Meatball Cacciatore alongside innovative recipes such as Gnocchi with Saffron, Shrimp, and Mussels. Their attention to detail ensures that every dish is approachable.
Pakistan: Recipes and Stories from Home Kitchens
Maryam Jillani reveals the culinary diversity of Pakistan. This book includes traditional dishes and surprises like Bhapu (Fish Soup) and chapli kebabs. With influences from several cultures, it showcases a rich tapestry of flavors and aromas.
Persiana Easy
Food writer Sabrina Ghayour presents a vibrant collection of Middle Eastern-inspired recipes. Her dishes, such as Spicy Sausage Tacos and Salt and Pepper Shrimp, combine various culinary traditions for bold, unforgettable flavors.
Recipes from the American South
Culinary historian Michael W. Twitty offers an extensive exploration of Southern cuisine. This cookbook features over 250 recipes that emphasize the multicultural roots of Southern food. From Gullah-Geechee benne seed wafers to Sephardic rice dishes, the book is a historical feast.
Salsa Daddy: A Cookbook
Rick Martínez redefines salsa in this innovative cookbook. With recipes ranging from Chocolate Picante to classic Mexican dishes, he illustrates the foundational role of salsa in Mexican cooking. Each recipe highlights unique flavor pairings and techniques.
Umma: A Korean Mom’s Kitchen
Sarah Ahn and Nam Soon Ahn offer family recipes infused with Korean culinary wisdom. Dishes like Fried Pork Rib with Cumin Seasoning Salt stand out, along with healthier options like pickles and banchan. This book is a celebration of family and flavorful cooking.
This selection is part of NPR’s broader recommendation of over 380 titles from the year. For more culinary inspiration, El-Balad encourages you to explore the extensive collection of cookbooks celebrated through the years.
