The Ukrainian Red Borscht Soup makes a perfect pairing with Amor Towles' recent novel "The Lincoln Highway," a story of adventure and camaraderie that resonates with the comforting and hearty nature of the soup. To elevate the dining experience, enjoy a Classic Cosmopolitan cocktail alongside, whose bright and invigorating flavors complement the earthiness of the borscht. This pairing works because the novel's rich narrative meshes seamlessly with the soup's complex layers of flavor, and the cocktail adds a refreshing twist, encouraging lively discussion and enhanced enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef or pork, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium beets, peeled and grated
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1/4 head of cabbage, shredded
- 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the Meat:
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef or pork pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the grated beets and carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the Broth and Simmer:
- Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the diced potato, shredded cabbage, and beef or vegetable broth.
- Stir in the tomato paste, red wine vinegar, bay leaf, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the Soup:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Ladle the borscht into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
The Lincoln Highway
The Lincoln Highway is a captivating novel by Amor Towles set in 1950s America, following the journey of a young man and his companions as they cross the country on an unexpected quest, unveiling adventure and insight around every turn.
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER More than ONE MILLION copies sold A TODAY Show Read with Jenna Book Club Pick A New York Times Notable Book, a New York Times Readers’ Choice Best Book of the Century, and Chosen by Oprah Daily, Time, NPR, The Washington Post, Bill Gates and Barack Obama as a Best Book of the Year “Wise and wildly entertaining . . . permeated with light, wit, youth.” —The New York Times Book Review “A classic that we will read for years to come.” —Jenna Bush Hager, Read with Jenna book club “Fantastic. Set in 1954, Towles uses the story of two brothers to show that our personal journeys are never as linear or predictable as we might hope.” —Bill Gates “A real joyride . . . elegantly constructed and compulsively readable.” —NPR The bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow and Rules of Civility and master of absorbing, sophisticated fiction returns with a stylish and propulsive novel set in 1950s America In June, 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the juvenile work farm where he has just served fifteen months for involuntary manslaughter. His mother long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett's intention is to pick up his eight-year-old brother, Billy, and head to California where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden's car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett's future, one that will take them all on a fateful journey in the opposite direction—to the City of New York. Spanning just ten days and told from multiple points of view, Towles's third novel will satisfy fans of his multi-layered literary styling while providing them an array of new and richly imagined settings, characters, and themes. “Once again, I was wowed by Towles’s writing—especially because The Lincoln Highway is so different from A Gentleman in Moscow in terms of setting, plot, and themes. Towles is not a one-trick pony. Like all the best storytellers, he has range. He takes inspiration from famous hero’s journeys, including The Iliad, The Odyssey, Hamlet, Huckleberry Finn, and Of Mice and Men. He seems to be saying that our personal journeys are never as linear or predictable as an interstate highway. But, he suggests, when something (or someone) tries to steer us off course, it is possible to take the wheel.” – Bill Gates
Discussion Questions
- How do the characters' backgrounds and personal histories influence their decisions throughout the novel?
- In what ways does the setting of 1950s America shape the story?
- Discuss the significance of the Lincoln Highway itself in the context of the novel.
- How does Towles use contrasting characters to explore themes of friendship and betrayal?
- What role does fate versus free will play in the journey of the characters?
- Analyze the relationship dynamics between Emmett and Billy.
- What does the novel suggest about the American Dream?
- How do the characters find redemption through their travels?
- What are some symbols used in the novel and what do they represent?
- In what ways does the novel challenge or reinforce your perception of adventure and journey stories?
Authors:
Amor Towles
ISBN: 0735222355
Publisher: Penguin
Published Date: 2021-10-05
Classic Cosmopolitan
A Classic Cosmopolitan delivers a perfect balance of citrus and sweetness. This cocktail, well-loved and ever-stylish, is a refreshing addition to your meal, complementing the earthy richness of Ukrainian Red Borscht Soup.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz cranberry juice
- 1/2 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Ice
- Lime wheel or twist (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, cranberry juice, Cointreau, and lime juice to the shaker.
- Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or twist. Serve immediately.