I would rather run a 5k in high heels than give a speech to a large group of people. But that’s exactly what I did Thursday night. Boy, my feet are killing me!

Ok, in all seriousness, I did speak to about 110 people. 10 minutes. Ouch. I made it through, just barely. There was one thing that made it easier, though. I did some food demos and sampling for the hour before the meeting. And that is where I am most at home, in the neutral turf of my love of food, technique, and healthy cooking. It transformed sweaty nerves girl to someone who could speak confidently and calmly about her craft and her passion.

It may have helped that I was already in the group’s good graces. I had just sample-bribed them with 5 gallons of my favorite soup, Lentil Stew. It’s rich and delicious, and nutritionally amazing! I got to tell them how this soup restored my health, when I was seriously anemic many years ago. (It is packed with iron and vitamin C, an important recipe when your hemoglobin levels are low.) I got to tell them that it is one of our most requested soup specials at work. And I got to tell them how easy it is to make.

So, without  further ado, here is the recipe. Make it. You won’t be sorry!

FAVORITE LENTIL STEW

In Pan, Dice & Sweat:

2 T Oil, 3 Stalks of Celery, 1 Large Onion & 3 Large Carrots

When Vegetables are softened, add:

7 Bay Leaves, 3 Garlic Cloves Diced, 1 Cup French Lentils and 3 Ounces (1/2 can) Tomato Paste. Stir. Cover with 1 box Low or Sodium Free Chicken Stock. (32 ounces) plus 2 cups cold water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and put on a lid, slightly vented.

Let the Lentils simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup finely diced Potato. (I used Yukon Golds.) Return to a simmer and cook until both the potatoes and lentils are fully cooked yet still firm. I’d say 20 minutes or more.

Remove from heat. Add 1/2 t Black Pepper & 1 T White or Red Wine Vinegar. Taste for seasoning. I added Salt, but I have a “Salt tooth.” It’s your choice. Final yield should be 64 ounces (8 cups.) If the mixture is too thick, or you are reheating, add Water as needed. And yes, it’s even better the next day.

Yields 8 cups, or 5 to 6 twelve ounce servings/ 202 calories per serving.

For the best price on French Lentils, the Whole Foods bulk aisle is the way to go. Harris Teeter also sells them in the Legume section.

Simmering away!