This pairing unites a flavorful Middle Eastern falafel dish with a compelling psychological thriller, "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides, while sipping on a refreshing Mediterranean-themed drink. The spice-infused falafel, combined with the suspenseful twists of the book, creates a sensory experience enhanced by the citrus notes in the cocktail. Together, they offer a delightful journey through taste and imagination, perfect for a leisurely afternoon or evening gathering.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chickpeas:
- Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry thoroughly.
- Make the Falafel Mixture:
- In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, chopped onion, garlic, parsley, cilantro, ground cumin, ground coriander, baking powder, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse the mixture until it becomes a coarse paste. Be careful not to over-process; the mixture should be chunky, not smooth.
- Shape the Falafel:
- Transfer the mixture to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- With wet hands, form the mixture into small balls or patties, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
- Fry the Falafel:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the falafel in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the falafel from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Serve the falafel warm, in pita bread or flatbreads, with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
- Drizzle with tahini sauce or your favorite dressing. Garnish with additional parsley or cilantro if desired.
The Silent Patient
Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. Until one day, when her husband, Gabriel, returns home late from a fashion shoot and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word. Her refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. Investigative psychotherapist Theo Faber takes on the case to unravel the mystery of the reasons behind Alicia's actions, leading him down a path that threatens to consume him.
**THE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER** "An unforgettable—and Hollywood-bound—new thriller… A mix of Hitchcockian suspense, Agatha Christie plotting, and Greek tragedy." —Entertainment Weekly The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband—and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive. Alicia Berenson’s life is seemingly perfect. A famous painter married to an in-demand fashion photographer, she lives in a grand house with big windows overlooking a park in one of London’s most desirable areas. One evening her husband Gabriel returns home late from a fashion shoot, and Alicia shoots him five times in the face, and then never speaks another word. Alicia’s refusal to talk, or give any kind of explanation, turns a domestic tragedy into something far grander, a mystery that captures the public imagination and casts Alicia into notoriety. The price of her art skyrockets, and she, the silent patient, is hidden away from the tabloids and spotlight at the Grove, a secure forensic unit in North London. Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia. His determination to get her to talk and unravel the mystery of why she shot her husband takes him down a twisting path into his own motivations—a search for the truth that threatens to consume him….
Discussion Questions
- What themes are prominently explored in 'The Silent Patient'?
- Discuss the role of trauma in the novel. How does it affect the characters?
- How does the author use narrative structure to build suspense?
- Analyze the relationship between Alicia Berenson and Theo Faber.
- Discuss the use of art as a motif. How does it contribute to the story?
- What were your thoughts on the ending of the book? Was it satisfying?
- How does the book challenge your perception of trust and truth within relationships?
- In what ways do the characters display resilience?
- Examine the significance of silence and communication as a theme in the narrative.
- How did Alex Michaelides develop the secondary characters to enhance the plot?
Authors:
Alex Michaelides
ISBN: 1250301696
Publisher: Celadon Books
Published Date: 2019-02-05
Refreshing Mediterranean Lemonade
This citrusy and slightly sweet lemonade is the perfect complement to the rich flavors of falafel. With a hint of mint and a touch of honey, this drink adds a refreshing twist to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup honey
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a pitcher, combine lemon juice and honey. Stir until honey is completely dissolved.
- Add cold water and mix well.
- Crush mint leaves slightly to release flavor and add them to the pitcher.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour lemonade over the ice, and garnish with additional mint leaves if desired.