Unraveling the chaotic soup of letters the Enigma Machine churns out every 24 hours requires more than the most fluent linguists and cryptologists. It takes a mind like Turing’s. For ‘sometimes it is the people who no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine’. And sometimes it’s the most unlikely combination of flavors that will make a simple dish shine. This German classic of Gulyassuppe may at first glance resemble a simple tomato soup, but soon the differences will make themselves plain.
The secret is the Teutonic rasp of caraway seeds, softened by the silkiness of pork fat and brazen confidence of paprika. It’s a curious combination, but it works. For texture and sustenance add a good shaking of alphabet noodles and allow them to lurk beneath the surface as undetected as U-boats. Or shuffle them to the surface and try to make sense of what you see. Don’t fret too much if you can’t make head or tail of your very own German Alphabet Soup. Lucky for you, the fate of the world doesn’t depend on it.
For the recipe and step by step directions, go here.
For both cosmologists and cooks alike the most elegant proofs are the simple ones. Hence this genial combination of soups is an exercise in restraint. Peas, potatoes, onion and chicken stock are key players in the roast dinners which punctuate the lives of the world’s most famous scientist and these silken purees. And then there’s the thyme. As an herb it adds a depth of flavor and woodland twinkle. As a topic, its punning pal (time) provides meaty fodder for a life of mental exploration.
Creating this supper could be seen as a gesture of devotion. Not quite the same as caring for a spouse stricken with ALS for 30 years, mind you- but it’s a fine expression of love nonetheless.
For recipe and step by step directions, go here.
In this dish it’s pure sibilance of the setting which seeded the idea of substituting corn grits for semolina. The other benefit of leaning on groats of wheat is how swiftly they’ll cook- which is perfect when you have many, many things to change. Joining in the throng are sturdy mushrooms for perseverance, crisp sage for wisdom and rosemary for remembrance. And as for the pecans clattering through? Well, beyond the much needed textural contrast they offer they’re rumored to be the key ingredient in Dr King’s favorite pie.
For the recipe and step by step directions go here.
Depending on your appetite for salty language and hot tempers, you can adjust the seasoning and chilli level in the sauce to something you’re comfortable with. Once you’ve finished pulling all the meat from the drumsticks it’s up to you whether you want to cast them aside, get a girlfriend and make some friends, or get back to work mastering your double time swing.
For recipe and step by step directions go here.
For the recipe and step by step directions, go here.
If you swaddle the burnished kebabs in pita bread and serve with sumac-sprinkled hummus you’ll find it’s fine fast food for hungry folk. The rosemary stems may warp slightly after the heat, but never fear--the end result is an upstanding dish that plays it straight down the middle.
For the recipe and step by step directions, go here.
This is almost that famed dish. It requires persistence, cunning and grace to construct; fitting for the favored treat of a concierge as legendary as Monsieur Gustave (Ralph Fiennes) at an establishment as revered as The Grand Budapest Hotel in Nebelsbad. The chocolate center of the profiteroles is as dark as the forces swirling outside the borders of the nation of Zubrowka. The glaze is as sweet as the promise of young love between Agatha (the apprentice chef) and Zero (the lobby boy). The tottering visual effect is as endearing as the shared adventures of the troupe. Be sure to share it with a dear friend. And tidy up after you’re done. A job worth doing is worth doing spotlessly.
For the recipe and step by step directions, go here.