Sophie Streeting conceptualized the intercultural cook book ‘melting pot’. We talked with her about the relevance of breaking bread together and the important work her organisation Movement On The Ground is doing on Lesvos.

Lesvos, a Greek island off the coast of Turkey, has become a temporary home for tens of thousands of refugees. Melting Pot is a moving collection of stories and recipes from these migrants, as well as the local Lesvians, collected by members of Movement On The Ground, a Dutch organisation with a mission to provide immediate human relief and drive sustainable change with and for people on the move and local host communities impacted by the European migration crisis.

The stories and recipes were collected by Nikoleta Makrionitou; top food journalist and Food and Wine editor of Greece’s “Gastronomos” Magazine and Barbara Gigilini. Barbara is a Lesvos based journalist and owner of popular newspaper Politika. She has followed the Migration crisis closely since 2015. The photos were captured by the talented Nikos Kokkas; an Athens based photographer and writer, whose most recent work can be found in the highly acclaimed “Locked Down” exhibition. The book was put together and designed by the talented Thanasis Georgiou, multi award winning graphic designer and editor based in Thessaloniki.

Sophie Streeting created this project for Movement On The Ground. She has a passion for cooking and humanitarian work and has previously worked in hospitality. Sophie is currently working as an Education Coordinator with MOTG working in RIC Lesvos

What motivated you to create this book? Why ‘The Melting Pot’?

One day we were working at the old Kara Tepe camp and there was a resident who was quite reserved. We asked him about what he was cooking and suddenly his whole demeaner changed. He lit up and opened up, but above all, he smiled. It made us realise the power food has to unite, even if you don’t speak the same language, and illustrated the importance of food for people’s cultures. We wanted to capture this smile in a book and use it as a tool to show how food can bring people together.

How did you compile all of the amazing recipes?

We worked with an amazing Greek team to find people who were interested in being part of the book. Those who were interested cooked the dishes from their hometown with us. We took the beautiful photos featured in the book and documented their stories of arriving in Lesvos, or being born here, and what inspired their love of food.

Is there a story behind each recipe? Which is the one story you would want to tell to everyone you meet outside the camps?

Each family or person featured in the book has a unique story about why they love food and what brought them to the island. For me there are two that stand out. Firstly, the story of local fisherman Kostas, who gave up his livelihood to save people seeking safety from the sea with his small fishing boat. And secondly, seventeen-year-old Fekura from Iran, who dreams of being a pilot. Excluding these exceptional stories, what really comes to light is the commonality between the stories and the fact that love and hospitality are at the heart of every one.

Do you have a favourite recipe in the book? If so, which one and why?

It is very hard to choose as there are so many delicious and interesting recipes in the book. However, the Kubba prepared by Youssif and his family is particularly delicious. This Syrian dish is fried bulgar wheat filled with succulent lamb. It was very hard to put down!

What do you hope this cookbook will achieve? What are your hopes for the book?

The aim of the book is three-fold. Firstly, to highlight the unique and diverse range of cuisines on the island. Secondly, the book is intended as a tool for connection and unity, showing that wherever you are from, you can sit down and break bread together. Thirdly, all of the profits from the sale of the book will go towards Movement On The Ground and its mission to provide dignified living conditions for refugees in Greece.

Do you believe food can be a powerful tool for unity? If so, why?

Food has the unique power to unite. Even if the dishes, ingredients and methods of preparation differ, cooking is a universal language and something that everyone can share. This book has shown us that cooking is one of the purest forms of love.

How many copies are available? And how can we purchase a copy?

You can purchase The Melting Pot here. There are unlimited copies available so please share with your friends and family.

Title: “melting pot – Breaking bread and sharing food. Cooking with refugees and locals in Lesvos.”
Author: Sophie Streeting
Plot: ‘melting pot’ is a moving collection of stories and recipes from the migrants and locals on the island of Lesvos by Movement On The Ground, an organisation working with and for people on the move and local host communities impacted by the European migration crisis.

Order your book here!

About the authors

The stories and recipes were collected by Nikoleta Makrionitou; top food journalist and Food and Wine editor of Greece’s “Gastronomos” Magazine and Barbara Gigilini. Barbara is a Lesvos based journalist and owner of popular newspaper Politika. She has followed the Migration crisis closely since 2015. The photos were captured by the talented Nikos Kokkas; an Athens based photographer and writer, whose most recent work can be found in the highly acclaimed “Locked Down” exhibition. The book was put together and designed by the talented Thanasis Georgiou, multi award winning graphic designer and editor based in Thessaloniki.

Sophie Streeting created this project for Movement On The Ground, whose mission is to provide immediate human relief, cultivate solutions, and drive sustainable change with and for people on the move and local host communities impacted by the European migration crisis. Sophie has a passion for cooking and humanitarian work and has previously worked in hospitality. Sophie is currently working as an Education Coordinator with MOTG working in RIC Lesvos.