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Published articles

Cous Cous Crossroads (Saudi Aramco World)

My latest story, in the Jan/Feb edition of Saudi Aramco World, on the Arab influence on Sicilian food. Photographed by Tor Eigeland.

Making cous cous © Tor Eigeland

“The word couscous derives from the Maghrebi Arabic kuskusu, and the Sicilian cuscus has long existed in both folk memory and the kitchens of Sicily’s western Arab heartland. It is via the Maghreb, however, that couscous is flourishing again in Sicily, reintroduced by migrants from North and West Africa who have settled on the island during the last few decades. Sicilians have enthusiastically revived the dish, cooking it more often with fish than with meat (usually mutton), which would be more usual in the Maghreb.”

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Categories
Published articles

Arab Sicily (UAE National)

My latest feature, on Arab Sicily, in the UAE National (and here’s the 2nd page). For around 200 years, from the mid 9th to the mid 11th centuries, Sicily was an Islamic state and an emirate. Its legacy still survives in the language, culture and food of this Mediterranean island.

Palermo street © Gail Simmons
Categories
Published articles

Sicily’s first eco village blooms (Observer)

Recent story in the Sunday Observer about the efforts of one woman working to keep Sicily’s traditions and culture alive.
© Gail Simmons
© Gail Simmons