Pair the heartwarming Classic Minestrone Soup with the insightful and transformative "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett, alongside a refreshing Aperol Spritz. This pairing brings together the comforting nourishment of the soup with a contemporary narrative exploring identity and family secrets, offering a meal for both the body and mind while the Aperol Spritz adds a vibrant touch to complement the rich flavors of the soup.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 yellow squash, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, and green beans. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir in the cannellini beans, kidney beans, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook the pasta: While the soup is simmering, cook the pasta separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add the greens and pasta: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and the cooked pasta. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and the pasta is heated through.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the minestrone soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley.
The Vanishing Half
A multi-generational narrative exploring family, race, and identity, "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett delves into the lives of twin sisters whose paths diverge radically as one passes for white and the other lives as Black. The book examines the nuanced complexities of identity and the choices that define our destinies.
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 themes in the book did you find most compelling and why?
- How does the book address the concept of identity and self-perception?
- In what ways do the sisters' choices reflect the societal pressures imposed on them?
- How does Bennett use the twins' stories to explore race and cultural identity?
- What role does generational legacy play in the narrative?
- How do the secondary characters impact the main plot and themes?
- What significance does the setting play in shaping the characters' lives?
- In what ways does the book challenge or reinforce the reader's understanding of race?
- How are secrecy and revelation important to the development of the story?
- How does the book's ending serve to satisfy or challenge your expectations?
Authors:
Brit Bennett
ISBN: 0525536299
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Published Date: 2021-01-12
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz is a classic Italian cocktail that is refreshing and vibrant, perfect for complementing the rich, hearty flavors of a dish like Classic Minestrone Soup. Its light and bubbly personality pairs well with the soup's comforting warmth.
Ingredients
- 3 oz Aperol
- 3 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz club soda
- Orange slice, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.
- Add the Aperol, Prosecco, and top with club soda.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with an orange slice.