Enjoy the comforting and flavorful Tex-Mex Pork Chops and Rice Skillet alongside the intriguing novel 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens, a story that will captivate your imagination with its natural beauty and mystery. Pair this with a classic Margarita, whose refreshing citrus notes complement the spicy and savory Tex-Mex flavors of the dish. Together, this combination creates an immersive dining and reading experience, perfect for an evening of culinary delight and literary exploration.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Season the pork chops: In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
- Sear the pork chops: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are nicely browned. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the rice: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer: Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the pork chops are cooked through.
- Add cheese (optional): If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking, covering to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Where the Crawdads Sing
'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens is a mystery and coming-of-age novel that explores the story of Kya Clark, the so-called "Marsh Girl," who grows up isolated in the marshes of North Carolina. As she comes of age, she becomes entangled in a murder investigation that has the town and readers alike questioning the line between human nature and wildness.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON—NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE! More than 18 million copies sold worldwide A Reese’s Book Club Pick A Business Insider Defining Book of the Decade “I can't even express how much I love this book! I didn't want this story to end!”—Reese Witherspoon “Painfully beautiful.”—The New York Times Book Review For years, rumors of the “Marsh Girl” have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life—until the unthinkable happens. Where the Crawdads Sing is at once an exquisite ode to the natural world, a heartbreaking coming-of-age story, and a surprising tale of possible murder. Owens reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
Discussion Questions
- What role does nature play in Kya's development and view of the world?
- Discuss the significance of the setting in the story.
- How does Kya's isolation impact her relationships and interactions with others?
- What themes of loneliness and companionship are explored in the novel?
- In what ways does Kya challenge societal norms and expectations?
- How do you interpret the ending of the novel and what significance does it hold?
- What are the parallels between Kya's life and the creatures she studies?
- How does Delia Owens use symbolism to enhance the narrative?
- Discuss the character development of Tate and his influence on Kya.
- How does the dual timeline structure affect your understanding of the story?
Authors:
Delia Owens
ISBN: 0735219095
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2018-08-14
Classic Margarita
A classic Margarita made with fresh lime juice and quality tequila, known for its refreshing taste and perfect balance of citrus and sweetness.
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz Cointreau or Triple Sec
- Salt for rim
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Salt the rim of a chilled margarita glass.
- Combine tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well and strain into the glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.