Ep. 40 - When Life Throws You a Curveball
Sometimes life doesn’t quite go to plan.This week’s episode of Banter is a little different. After an unexpectedly difficult week involving her family, Anu talks about what happens when life suddenly throws you a curveball; the worry, the shock and trying to keep everything together when you’re struggling with it yourself.It’s an honest conversation about parenting, family, the mental load and navigating difficult moments in midlife, but also about support, perspective and the importance of talking rather than bottling everything up.Anu also reflects on gratitude, not pretending everything is fine, but finding the things that help carry you through when it isn’t.And, of course, there’s still room for some of the usual Banter: what she’s been reading and watching and a smoky black bean chilli for Recipe of the Week.BANTER RECOMMENDATIONS:📚 Book: Fruit Fly by Josh Silver📺 TV: Youth by Sharon Horgan - HBO📺 TV: The Split Up - BBC iPlayer🍴 Recipe of the Week: Anu’s Smoky Black Bean Chilli and Chunky Guacamole Ingredients1 tbsp olive oil1 red onion, chopped3 - 4 garlic cloves, chopped1 red pepper, diced2 tins black beans, drained1 tin chopped tomatoes1 packet Old El Paso Chilli Con Carne Seasoning Mix1 tbsp tomato puréeSalt and pepperA splash of water, if needed2–3 squares dark chocolateTo serveAnu’s chunky guacamoleFresh corianderA dollop of Greek yoghurtGrated cheddarTortilla chipsLime wedgesMethodHeat the olive oil in a large pan.Fry the onion, red pepper and garlic until softened.Add the black beans, chilli seasoning and tomato purée. Stir everything together for a few minutes.Add the chopped tomatoes and bring everything to a gentle simmer.Stir in 2–3 squares of dark chocolate.Leave it to bubble gently until the edges become slightly reduced and the chilli has thickened. Add a splash of water if it needs loosening.Season to taste with salt and pepper.Serve topped with chunky guacamole, coriander, Greek yoghurt and grated cheddar, with tortilla chips and a wedge of lime.(You can also add chicken or beef mince first) Anu’s Chunky Guacamole:Ingredients2 avocados½ red onion, very finely choppedJuice of 1 limeFresh coriander, choppedDiced tomato, optionalGood pinch of salt and pepperFresh chilli, optionalMethodCut the avocados in half, scoop the flesh into a bowl and roughly mash, keep it chunky.Add the finely chopped red onion, lime juice and coriander. Add diced tomato if using, season generously with salt and pepper and add a little fresh chilli if you want some heat.Mix gently and serve straight away.A slightly different episode this week. Real life, as it happens because sometimes you simply have to take things one day at a time.So grab a coffee (or a glass of wine), settle in and join me for some real talk, real life and as always, a little Banter.If you enjoyed the episode, please follow the show, leave a rating or review and share it with someone who might enjoy Banter too. It really does help more people discover the podcast.
