Maria and Her Brother or the Big Bean Bonanza

Maria and Her Brother or the Big Bean Bonanza

Author: Rachel Mosses February 1, 2022 Duration: 29:30

In which we discover that a bean is preferable to bran as a tracking device, that no matter how kind and generous you are, you can still end up in the belly of a shark and that you shouldn't put your trust in anyone who leads you into dark woods.

This week's story is Maria and Her Brother adapted from Beautiful Angiola, The Lost Sicilian Folk & Fairy Tales collected by Laura Gonzenbach, translated & edited by Jack Zipes

This week's recipe is Zuppa di Fave e Finocchio - Broad Bean and Fennel Soup

If you would like to find more information about any of the stories,  books or research mentioned in this episode you can find them in Further Reading.

You can also find out more at Hestia's Kitchen which has all past episodes and the connected recipes on the blog.  If  you'd like to get in touch about the podcast you can find me on Twitter or Instagram at @FairyTalesFood.


Rachel Mosses hosts Folklore, Food and Fairytales, a podcast that sits at the comfortable, worn-in table where narrative and nourishment meet. Each episode begins with a story-a piece of folklore, a fairytale, or a lesser-known myth-and then delves into the culinary world hidden within its lines. The discussion isn't just about whether the porridge in a tale is symbolic or simply a relatable detail; it's about unearthing the real food history and traditions that those fictional meals echo. You'll hear about the rituals of both eating and storytelling, and how each feeds a different kind of hunger. This podcast naturally explores how recipes are themselves stories passed down, and how the history of a dish can be as compelling as the plot of a legend. Listen for a thoughtful blend of narration and analysis, where a great story is always served with a side of fascinating context, leaving you to ponder the deep, savoury connections between the tales we tell and the food we share.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 50

Folklore, Food and Fairytales
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