About This Book
Welcome to "Nana's Iraqi Dishes-Volume One"! I'm thrilled to share this special cookbook with you, filled with authentic Iraqi recipes that have brought my siblings and me immense joy since childhood. My beloved mom, Nana, is the creative mastermind behind these delicious meals, and I can’t wait for you to try them! In this first volume, you'll find 58 delightful recipes and some stories beautifully illustrated and organized into exciting categories like main courses, stews, grains, and tasty side dishes. I hope you enjoy cooking these recipes as much as I’ve enjoyed making them for my family! This edition is printed on standard paper, making it a wonderful addition to your kitchen. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
Details
- Pages
- 134
- Last Published
- 05/19/25
About The Author
Eklas Odish
Hello, my name is Eklas Odish, author of Nana’s Iraqi Dishes. I came to the U.S. 30 years ago after earning my engineering degree in Iraq. The war forced my family to seek refuge, and I continued my studies and career here. Life changed when my son was born prematurely, requiring full-time care. That’s when I found myself in the kitchen—guided by my mother, whom we call Nana.
What began as a necessity soon became a passion. I found comfort in recreating the flavors of my childhood and exploring new cuisines. Wanting to preserve our food traditions, I launched a YouTube channel to document the recipes for my children and future generations.
Growing up, I didn’t cook much. Our home was filled with love, anchored by my father (may he rest in peace), my incredible mother, two brothers, and five sisters. Nana has been a widow for over 35 years and never remarried. She devoted her life to us and showed her love through food. Every dish she made was a masterpiece, a gift inherited from her brother, a professional chef.
Nana, now 83, lives with one of my brothers and his wife. Though travel is hard for her, her spirit and love continue to inspire us. It was her encouragement that pushed me to share recipes online, and it was her lifelong dream to publish a cookbook—something that wasn’t possible in Iraq.
This cookbook is a tribute to Nana. Every recipe holds a story, a memory, and a piece of her. While I may never recreate her magic perfectly, this book ensures her legacy lives on—for our family, and for anyone who finds comfort in food, love, and heritage.
