Without revealing the plot of the famous Netflix series ‘3 body problem’ and keeping this in between the two books K.H. Erickson’s Game Theory: A Simple Introduction, and Michael Bodin’s Fermi’s Paradox: Cosmology and Life I wanted to write about my recipe today. I cannot deny that I am vastly intrigued by the series and after finishing the last episode yesterday I am going to find it very hard to wait for an year to understand the joke. So I have taken a conscious decision to read all the remaining books of Liu Cixin’s trilogy. If my post tickles your imagination you too could start reading the books or watch the first series on netflix which has been enacted by very convincing actors and it is set in my most favourite London. The following joke is not a rib-tickler but if you can perhaps be intuitive like the reddit thread where everyone presented their own interpretation of the joke is a read I would recommend.
“So Einstein dies. He finds himself in heaven, and he has his violin. He’s overjoyed. He loves his violin more than physics. Even more than women. He’s excited to find out how well he can play in heaven. He imagines he’ll be pretty damn good. So he starts tuning up, and the angels rush at him.
– from ‘3 Body Problem’ Netflix series
‘What are you doing?’ they say.
‘I’m getting ready to play.’
‘Don’t do that. God won’t like it. He’s a saxophonist.’
So Einstein stops. He doesn’t play. But it’s difficult. He loves music. And there’s actually not much to do in heaven. And sure enough, from high above, he hears the saxophone. He’s playing ‘Take the ‘A’ Train’, do you know that one? Einstein knows it too. And he thinks, I’m going to do it. I’m going to play with him. We’re going to sound great together. So he starts playing ‘Take the ‘A’ Train’. The saxophone stops, and God appears. He marches over to Einstein and kicks him in the balls, which hurts, even in heaven. Then he smashes Einstein’s beloved violin to bits. Eternity without music. Heaven has become hell for Einstein. And as he writhes on the ground, holding his smashed balls, an angel comes over and says: ‘We warned you: Never play with God.'”
Asparagus & Chilli Cheddar Quiche
This quiche combines the tender, earthy flavors of asparagus with the punchy kick of chili and the creamy, rich depth of cheddar cheese, encased in a flaky, buttery crust. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, served either warm or at room temperature. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust based on desired spice level)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Add the chilled, diced butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, stirring until the dough just comes together. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork. Place a piece of parchment paper over the crust and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, and bake for another 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the crust is baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and chili flakes. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the asparagus and cook until just tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooled onion and asparagus mixture along with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust. Return to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Let the quiche cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
