"Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee is an excellent companion to the Sweet And Tangy Apple Pork Chops recipe. This novel, rich in cultural history and family saga, complements the dish's satisfying, multifaceted flavors of sweet, savory, and tangy. Just as "Pachinko" weaves together stories across generations, the meal brings together distinct elements for a harmonious experience. Pair it with a crisp glass of Gewürztraminer, whose aromatic profile of stone fruits and spice echoes the autumnal essence of the pork chops.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced apples and onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the onions are caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the apple cider, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Allow the glaze to cook for about 5 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly.
- Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, nestling them among the apples and onions. Spoon some of the glaze over the chops. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and are fully cooked through.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the pork chops topped with the apples, onions, and a generous drizzle of the tangy glaze. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Pachinko
A multi-generational story of a Korean immigrant family in 20th-century Japan, exploring issues of identity, belonging, and resilience in the face of discrimination.
A Victorian epic transplanted to Japan, following a Korean family of immigrants through eight decades and four generations. Busan, Korea 1911: A club-footed, cleft-lipped man marries a fteen-year-old beauty. The couple have one child, their beloved daughter Sunja. When Sunja falls pregnant by a married yakuza, the family face ruin. But then Isak, a Christian minister, offers her a chance of salvation: a new life in Japan as his wife. Following a man she barely knows to a hostile country in which she has no friends, no home, and whose language she cannot speak, Sunja's salvation is just the beginning of her story. Through eight decades and four generations, Pachinko is an epic tale of family, identity, love, death and survival.
Discussion Questions
- How does the theme of identity manifest for the various characters in "Pachinko"?
- In what ways does the novel explore the concept of belonging and home?
- Discuss the role of sacrifice in the lives of the family throughout the generations.
- How do the historical and political contexts impact the personal lives of the characters?
- What does "Pachinko" suggest about the nature of success and failure?
- Examine the generational dynamics and how they affect the choices of the characters.
- How is the concept of family depicted in the novel?
- Discuss the cultural and social challenges faced by the characters as immigrants.
- What role does resilience play in the characters’ lives, and how do they exhibit it?
- Analyze the symbolism of the Pachinko game and its relevance throughout the novel.
Authors:
Min Jin Lee
ISBN: 9781455563920
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published Date: 2017-02-01
ISBN: 9781455563920
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published Date: 2017-02-01
Crisp Gewürztraminer
A delightful aromatic white wine known for its notes of lychee, rose petal, and spice. This wine enhances the sweet and savory flavors of the Sweet And Tangy Apple Pork Chops, while its freshness complements the tangy cider glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of Gewürztraminer wine
Instructions
- Chill the Gewürztraminer to around 50°F (10°C).
- Pour into a stemmed glass to capture its bouquet.
- Serve alongside Sweet And Tangy Apple Pork Chops.
- Enjoy the synergy of flavors and aromas.