"German Vegetable Soup," a wholesome and comforting dish, pairs excellently with "Hamnet" by Maggie O'Farrell, as both offer a deep exploration of life's intricacies, making for a reflective meal-time. "Hamnet," a historical novel rich with emotional depth, complements the earthy, nostalgic flavors of this German staple. Enjoy this pairing with a "Spiced Apple Cider Mule," which echoes the warm, aromatic theme present in both the soup and the book. Together, they create a cozy, immersive experience perfect for winding down and enjoying life’s profound simplicities.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced carrots, parsnips, and diced potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add the chopped cabbage and green beans.
- Stir in the dried thyme and bay leaf.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve the German Vegetable Soup hot, accompanied by crusty bread for a delicious and hearty meal.
Hamnet
Historical fiction set in 16th century England that delves into the life of Shakespeare's family and his son Hamnet.
NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD WINNER • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The bestselling author of The Marriage Portrait delivers a luminous portrait of a marriage, a family ravaged by grief, and a boy whose name was given to one of the most celebrated plays of all time. • “Of all the stories that argue and speculate about Shakespeare’s life … here is a novel … so gorgeously written that it transports you." —The Boston Globe Soon to be a major motion picture directed by Chloé Zhao and starring Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, and Joe Alwyn. England, 1580: The Black Death creeps across the land, an ever-present threat, infecting the healthy, the sick, the old and the young alike. The end of days is near, but life always goes on. A young Latin tutor—penniless and bullied by a violent father—falls in love with an extraordinary, eccentric young woman. Agnes is a wild creature who walks her family’s land with a falcon on her glove and is known throughout the countryside for her unusual gifts as a healer, understanding plants and potions better than she does people. Once she settles with her husband on Henley Street in Stratford-upon-Avon, she becomes a fiercely protective mother and a steadfast, centrifugal force in the life of her young husband, whose career on the London stage is just taking off when his beloved young son succumbs to sudden fever.
Discussion Questions
- How does O'Farrell depict the emotional life of Shakespeare's marriage?
- What role does nature play in the novel?
- Discuss the importance of grief and how it is portrayed.
- How does the novel blend historical facts with fiction?
- What did you find most compelling about O'Farrell's narrative style?
- How does 'Hamnet' explore the theme of mortality?
- In what ways does Agnes (Shakespeare's wife) defy societal expectations?
- How do the descriptions of the plague reflect or contrast with modern epidemics?
- Why do you think music and sound are significant elements in the story?
- Discuss how the novel's setting contributes to its overall impact.
Authors:
Maggie O'Farrell
ISBN: 9781472223791
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2020-07-21
ISBN: 9781472223791
Publisher: Vintage
Published Date: 2020-07-21
Spiced Apple Cider Mule
A warm, spicy twist on a classic cocktail that complements the earthy flavors of German Vegetable Soup. Featuring crisp apple cider, ginger beer, and a hint of warming spices, it's perfect for a cozy evening with a good book.
Ingredients
- 2 oz apple cider
- 2 oz ginger beer
- 1 oz vodka
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Apple slices and cinnamon stick for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine apple cider, vodka, and ground cinnamon with ice.
- Shake well to mix.
- Fill a copper mug with ice and strain the mixture into the mug.
- Top off with ginger beer.
- Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.