Every seasoned solver of crossword puzzles knows that feeling: you’re cruising through the grid, words are falling into place, and then you hit a brick wall. Sometimes it’s a obscure bit of trivia, other times it’s a clever bit of wordplay that ties your brain in knots. But the most satisfying challenges often come from a crossword clue that presents a seemingly straightforward concept, yet hides its true nature behind a veil of common understanding. Today, we’re tackling just such a head-scratcher, a crossword clue that blends the mundane with the mystifying, making you rethink your entire approach to list-making.
The crossword clue in question reads: “List that may include black bean chili and mushroom pot pie.”
On the surface, this crossword clue seems simple enough. It’s a list. It includes food items. Two specific food items, to be precise. Black bean chili and mushroom pot pie. Delicious, certainly, but what kind of list are we talking about here? This is where the magic (and the challenge) of the crossword clue truly begins to unfold.
When faced with a crossword clue that gives examples, the first instinct is to find the common thread, the overarching category that binds these seemingly disparate items. Are we looking at a list of comfort foods? Certainly, both could qualify, especially on a chilly evening. Is it a list of vegetarian dishes? Aha! Both black bean chili and mushroom pot pie are, by their very nature, meat-free. This feels like a strong contender for solving this tricky crossword clue. But is it too obvious for a clever crossword puzzle setter?
Let’s dig deeper into how a crossword clue like this might be constructed. Setters love to lead you down a garden path before revealing the true answer. While ‘vegetarian’ is a solid contender, could there be a more specific, more nuanced, or even broader category at play? Consider the ingredients. Black beans, mushrooms, vegetables, perhaps a savory broth or sauce. Both are hearty, full-bodied dishes. Both are often served as main courses.
What if the crossword clue is hinting at something about
where
these items might appear on a list? Is it a specific type of restaurant menu? Perhaps a particular section of a cookbook? Or a unique dietary classification that isn’t immediately apparent from just seeing “vegetarian”? This is where the true detective work of solving a complex crossword clue comes into play. You have to consider the known, then probe for the unknown, looking for connections that might escape the casual glance.
Another angle to consider when you encounter a challenging crossword clue involving examples is the possibility of wordplay or a double meaning. While “list” here seems to directly mean a compilation, could it be a play on words? Unlikely for this type of clue, but always a possibility when a crossword clue seems almost too simple. For this particular crossword clue, the emphasis is clearly on categorization.
The beauty of a well-crafted crossword clue like “List that may include black bean chili and mushroom pot pie” lies in its ability to spark a genuine intellectual pursuit. It’s not just about recalling a fact; it’s about applying logic, exploring categories, and understanding the subtle art of the crossword puzzle. It forces you to think beyond the obvious, to consider different layers of meaning, and to appreciate the cleverness of the puzzle creator. Tackling this specific crossword clue is a perfect example of why so many of us are captivated by daily crosswords.
So, as you ponder this intriguing crossword clue, let your mind wander through the culinary landscape. What kind of list truly encapsulates both black bean chili and mushroom pot pie, while also being clever enough to be the answer to a daily crossword puzzle? The possibilities, much like the ingredients in a great chili, are rich and varied. And the satisfaction of cracking such a specific crossword clue? Absolutely unparalleled.
Available Answers:
VEGANMENU.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Thursday’s Daily By Amie Walker & Amanda Rafkin / Ed. Patti Varol