Slow Cooker Beef Stew, a dish brimming with tender beef and hearty vegetables, pairs wonderfully with 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett, a novel exploring themes of identity and family. The rich and comforting nature of the stew complements the novel's depth and complexity, providing a comforting backdrop for thought-provoking discussions. To enhance this experience, a glass of Merlot is recommended, its smooth and bold flavors mirroring the intricate layers of the stew and the novel. Together, these elements create an immersive dining and reading experience that invites readers to savor every moment.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: In a large bowl, toss the beef stew meat with the flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef in batches and brown on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- Deglaze the skillet: If using, pour the red wine into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Pour the deglazed liquid into the slow cooker. (If not using wine, you can deglaze with a bit of beef broth.)
- Add the vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes to the slow cooker.
- Add the broth and seasonings: Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender.
- Add peas: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Cover and cook until heated through.
- Serve: Remove the bay leaves and discard. Garnish the stew with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
The Vanishing Half
A novel about twin sisters, inseparable as children, who ultimately choose to live in two very different worlds—one black and one white. A multi-generational narrative that explores how the past influences the choices we make, those choices influence future generations, and the legacy of race and identity.
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
- How does 'The Vanishing Half' explore the concept of identity and how it is shaped by our environment?
- In what ways do the choices of Stella and Desiree exemplify different experiences of race in America?
- Discuss the significance of setting in the novel. How do the different locations influence the characters?
- How does Bennett use the theme of 'passing' to explore broader issues of race and class?
- Consider the role of family in the novel. How do familial relationships impact the characters' decisions?
- How does the novel portray the passage of time and its impact on identity?
- Discuss the narrative structure of the novel. How does the shifting viewpoint enhance the story?
- What role does secrecy play in the lives of the characters? How do secrets influence their lives?
- In what ways does the novel address the idea of belonging?
- How do the characters' understandings of race and identity evolve throughout the book?
Authors:
Brit Bennett
ISBN: 0525536299
Publisher: National Geographic Books
Published Date: 2021-01-12
Merlot
Merlot is a smooth and elegant red wine with a medium to full-bodied taste, known for its sumptuous flavors of ripe berry, plum, and chocolate. It is a versatile wine that pairs well with hearty dishes like the Slow Cooker Beef Stew.
Ingredients
- A bottle of Merlot wine
Instructions
- Open the bottle of Merlot and allow it to breathe for about 15-30 minutes before serving.
- Pour the wine into glasses and serve alongside the Slow Cooker Beef Stew.