Enjoy the comforting flavors of Black Beans and Rice paired with the powerful narrative of 'Klara and the Sun' by Kazuo Ishiguro. This reflective novel mirrors the dish's depth with its exploration of humanity and connection. Savor the combination further with a refreshing Caipirinha, bringing a hint of zest that complements both the dish and the contemplative nature of the book.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until they are soft and the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the drained black beans, vegetable broth (or water), and bay leaf to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lime juice.
- Gently fold the cooked rice into the black bean mixture until well combined.
- Serve the black beans and rice in bowls or as a side dish, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.
Klara and the Sun
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro explores themes of love, humanity, and technology in a dystopian world. Through the eyes of Klara, an Artificial Friend designed to assist and befriend children, Ishiguro questions what it means to love as Klara seeks to understand human emotions and life itself. This novel is both a poignant and thrilling journey that delves into the complexities of the human condition and our relationship with technology.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Once in a great while, a book comes along that changes our view of the world. This magnificent novel from the Nobel laureate and author of Never Let Me Go is “an intriguing take on how artificial intelligence might play a role in our futures … a poignant meditation on love and loneliness” (The Associated Press). • A GOOD MORNING AMERICA Book Club Pick! Here is the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches carefully the behavior of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her. Klara and the Sun is a thrilling book that offers a look at our changing world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator, and one that explores the fundamental question: what does it mean to love?
Discussion Questions
- What does Klara’s perspective bring to the story that a human perspective might not?
- How does Ishiguro use the sun symbolically throughout the novel?
- Discuss the role of technology in 'Klara and the Sun'. Is it portrayed in a positive or negative light?
- In what ways does Klara demonstrate her understanding of love?
- How do the children's interactions with their Artificial Friends reflect on society's view of companionship?
- What does the novel suggest about the future of humanity's relationship with AI?
- How important is the setting to the themes of the novel?
- Compare and contrast Klara with other Artificial Friends in the book. How are they similar or different?
- Discuss the ethical questions raised by the creation and sale of Artificial Friends.
- How does the novel explore the concept of sacrifice?
Authors:
Kazuo Ishiguro
ISBN: 059331817X
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2021-03-02
Caipirinha
The Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail, offering refreshing and bold flavors perfect for a summer evening. This simple yet satisfying drink combines cachaça with fresh lime and sugar to create a zesty, tropical cocktail that complements the robust flavors of a dish like Black Beans and Rice.
Ingredients
- 2 oz cachaça
- 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Place the lime wedges in a glass.
- Add the sugar and muddle the lime with a muddler to release the juice.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes, then pour the cachaça over the top.
- Stir well and serve immediately while the flavors are fresh and vibrant.