Cookbook with recipes from refugees and locals on Lesvos highlights the importance of home

Collage of people smiling, eating, and holding their culinary creations.

As a new refugee crisis unfolds in Europe, a cookbook recently published by the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Recipes from Home, reminds us of the universal value of “home.”

The dual-language Greek and English book, available in digital form online, includes recipes by home cooks from Afghanistan, Burundi, Cameroon, Greece, Iran, South Africa, and Syria.

Peppered throughout between ingredient lists and photos are reactions from participants. “I found the idea of the cooking workshops interesting, because it was a rare chance to spend time with different people, share emotions and ideas, breaking the barrier of cultural differences.”

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) supports digital infrastructure that facilitates IRC’s worldwide work, as well as its emergency response efforts, including mental health support on Lesvos.

Even in the most difficult circumstances, the cookbook is a reminder that we all value home—and good home cooking.