The classic comfort of an Instant Pot Tuna Casserole perfectly complements the intriguing twists and suspense found in "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides, creating a rich sensory journey. Pair this with the enlightening flavors of a classic Chardonnay, providing a refreshing and balanced backdrop to the meal's hearty flavors. Together, these experiences invite readers and diners alike to relax and unwind in the cozy ambiance of this reminiscent dish while pondering deeper questions tied to the book's intricate storyline.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed potato chips or bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Melt the butter in the pot and add the diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add Liquid and Noodles: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and milk, stirring to combine. Add the egg noodles, making sure they are submerged in the liquid.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” function and set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure.
- Quick Release: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to the “Venting” position. Wait until all the pressure has been released and the pin drops before opening the lid.
- Mix in Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the drained tuna, frozen peas, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream of mushroom soup. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle crushed potato chips or bread crumbs over the top of the casserole. Use the “Sauté” function again for a few minutes to lightly toast the topping, or place the inner pot under a broiler for a couple of minutes for a crispy finish.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the tuna casserole hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
The Silent Patient
"The Silent Patient" is a spellbinding psychological thriller about a woman who shoots her husband five times and then stops speaking entirely. Psychotherapist Theo Faber becomes obsessed with unraveling the mystery behind Alyssa's silence and her murderous actions as he investigates what drove her to commit such a heinous act.
**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 do you think motivated Alicia to stop speaking after the murder of her husband?
- How does the author use dual timelines and perspectives to enhance the narrative?
- Discuss the role of art in Alicia's life and how it serves as a form of expression for her.
- What symbolism do you find in Alicia's painting 'Alcestis'?
- Consider the character of Theo—how does his obsession with Alicia reflect on his own psychological state?
- How do you feel about the ending? Did it resolve the story to your satisfaction?
- What themes do you identify in the novel, and how are they developed throughout the story?
- How does the setting contribute to the book's suspense and mood?
- Consider the supporting characters—do they serve as mere foils, or do they add depth to the story?
- How do truth and perception play roles in the unfolding of the plot and the ultimate revelations of the story?
Authors:
Alex Michaelides
ISBN: 1250301696
Publisher: Celadon Books
Published Date: 2019-02-05
ISBN: 1250301696
Publisher: Celadon Books
Published Date: 2019-02-05
Classic Chardonnay
A Classic Chardonnay offers a rich, buttery flavor with hints of vanilla and oak. It is a full-bodied white wine that pairs well with the creamy texture and delicate flavors of the Instant Pot Tuna Casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of Classic Chardonnay
Instructions
- Chill the bottle of Chardonnay to 48-52°F before serving.
- Pour into a wine glass and allow it to breathe for a few minutes to enhance its flavors.
- Serve alongside the Instant Pot Tuna Casserole for a harmonious pairing.