Let's dive into an immersive Italian dining experience with Chicken Fra Diavolo, a spicy Italian-American dish that perfectly complements the intense, thought-provoking novel 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. Each bite of fiery, flavorful chicken, paired with a refreshing Spicy Cucumber Margarita, creates a vivid taste sensation. The drink's crisp cucumber and lime offer a cooling counterpoint to the dish's heat, while the novel's exploration of identity and family provides rich fodder for dinner conversation. Together, this trio provides a holistic experience that delights the senses and stimulates the mind.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin side down, and cook until the skin is crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the wine has reduced by half.
- Make the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and sugar to the pan. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Simmer with chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin side up, nestling them into the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have melded together. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and basil leaves. Serve the Chicken Fra Diavolo over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy!
The Vanishing Half
'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett explores the lives of twin sisters who run away from their small, southern Black community at age sixteen. Their lives diverge as one returns home while the other secretly passes for white, raising questions about identity, family, and the past's influence on our lives. The novel navigates through decades and generations, following the sisters and their daughters as they grapple with their intertwined fates and choices.
The Vignes twin sisters will always be identical. Inseparable as children, they ultimately choose to live in two different worlds, one black and one white. An exploration of the American history of passing.
Discussion Questions
- What role does race play in the characters’ lives and decisions in 'The Vanishing Half'?
- How does Brit Bennett use time as a structural element in the novel?
- Discuss the mother-daughter relationships that are central to the story. How do they affect the characters' decisions?
- How does the novel explore the concept of 'passing'? What are the implications for those who do and those who do not?
- In what ways do the towns of Mallard and Los Angeles represent different kinds of realities for the characters?
- Discuss the theme of identity in the book. How do the characters’ identities evolve?
- What does the title 'The Vanishing Half' suggest about the characters or the story overall?
- How is the concept of home portrayed in the novel?
- How do secrets and lies perpetuate the story?
- In the context of the novel, discuss how personal and historical traumas shape the characters' lives and decisions.
Authors:
Brit Bennett
ISBN: 0525536299
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Published Date: 2021-01-12
Spicy Cucumber Margarita
This Spicy Cucumber Margarita is a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, combining crisp cucumber with a bit of spicy jalapeño. It's perfect to cleanse the palate with its cool notes while complimenting the fiery flavors of Chicken Fra Diavolo.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 ounce cucumber juice (from blended and strained cucumbers)
- 1/2 ounce agave syrup
- 2 jalapeño slices
- Cucumber slices for garnish
- Salt for rimming glass
Instructions
- Rim a glass with salt and set aside.
- In a shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices with lime juice and agave syrup.
- Add tequila, cucumber juice, and ice to the shaker.
- Shake well until the ingredients are combined and chilled.
- Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with cucumber slices and enjoy.