Dive into the lush world of Hungarian flavors with our hearty Hungarian Short Ribs paired alongside "How to Sell a Haunted House" by Grady Hendrix. Just as the ribs are rich with layers of taste, this novel delves into a gripping tale full of twists and eerie thrills—perfectly complementing each savory bite. To bring this pairing to life, enjoy a glass of rich Hungarian Bull's Blood wine, balancing the meal's richness with its own depth and complexity. Together, this trio promises an unforgettable sensory journey that tantalizes the taste buds and the imagination alike.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds beef short ribs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Season the beef short ribs with salt and black pepper. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the short ribs in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove the ribs and set them aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Add Paprika and Tomatoes: Sprinkle the sweet and smoked paprika over the onions and garlic, stirring to coat. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, caraway seeds, brown sugar, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Ribs: Return the browned short ribs to the pot, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat easily falls off the bone.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the short ribs from the pot and discard the bay leaves. Stir the sour cream into the sauce, blending well. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Return the short ribs to the pot and gently heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Sell a Haunted House
An engaging story that explores the challenges and eerie secrets lurking within a supposedly haunted home. This gripping tale by Grady Hendrix combines elements of suspense and supernatural excitement to create a thrilling reading experience.
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER "Wildly entertaining."-The New York Times "Ingenious."-The Washington Post New York Times bestselling author Grady Hendrix takes on the haunted house in a thrilling new novel that explores the way your past—and your family—can haunt you like nothing else. When Louise finds out her parents have died, she dreads going home. She doesn’t want to leave her daughter with her ex and fly to Charleston. She doesn’t want to deal with her family home, stuffed to the rafters with the remnants of her father’s academic career and her mother’s lifelong obsession with puppets and dolls. She doesn’t want to learn how to live without the two people who knew and loved her best in the world. Most of all, she doesn’t want to deal with her brother, Mark, who never left their hometown, gets fired from one job after another, and resents her success. Unfortunately, she’ll need his help to get the house ready for sale because it’ll take more than some new paint on the walls and clearing out a lifetime of memories to get this place on the market. But some houses don’t want to be sold, and their home has other plans for both of them… Like his novels The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires and The Final Girl Support Group, How to Sell a Haunted House is classic Hendrix: equal parts heartfelt and terrifying—a gripping new read from “the horror master” (USA Today).
Discussion Questions
- What aspects of 'How to Sell a Haunted House' did you find most engaging and why?
- How does the author use suspense to enhance the storytelling?
- What themes are prevalent in the novel, and how do they relate to the characters' development?
- How do the supernatural elements affect the narrative and your perception of the characters?
- In what ways do the characters' interactions with the house reveal their personalities and secrets?
- How does the setting contribute to the overall atmosphere of the book?
- Discuss the portrayal of fear and how it manifests in different character arcs.
- How do the relationships between characters evolve throughout the story?
- Which plot twist was most surprising to you, and how did it affect the story?
- In your opinion, what message or moral can be derived from the book?
Authors:
Grady Hendrix
ISBN: 1234567890
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2024-01-02
ISBN: 1234567890
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2024-01-02
Hungarian Bull's Blood Wine
Rich and full-bodied, with notes of ripe dark fruit, plum, and hints of smoky spices, this classic Hungarian red wine is known for its bold flavors and smooth finish—perfectly complementing the robust and hearty Hungarian Short Ribs.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of Hungarian Bull's Blood wine
Instructions
- Chill the red wine slightly before serving.
- Pour into a glass, allowing it to breathe and enhance its flavors.
- Serve alongside the Hungarian Short Ribs for a perfect pairing.