In normal years, shortly before the holiday, we are running errands, getting holiday gifts, food and drinks for preparing  holiday parties with family and friends. I  remembered today, that I always loved to cook a big pot of lentil stew 2 to 3 days before Christmas eve.  That way I don't have to worry about food and can just go about the tasks...

Well, even now in Corona times, maybe you also have thousands of home projects involving cleaning and organizing, minimizing, strategizing, envisioning, planning, dreaming, dancing...? Or you want to remain in bed or on the couch reading books and watching videos? Either way, here a recipe for my lucky lentil stew.

1. peel or wash all vegetables, including potatoes) and cut into small size pieces
2. sauté onions and vegetables (except bell peppers) in large pot, season with salt and pepper
3. add tomato paste, stir for 2 minutes
4. add soaked and strained lentils
5. add water
6. add spices
7. add bell peppers
8. let simmer on low heat for 45 min.
9. check seasoning and maybe add more salt
10. in the meantime, mince parsley, chop green onions

Serve with a tablespoon of cream (vegan or not) for each bowl, and sprinkle with parsley, green onions and freshly grounded black pepper.

I used this year, to jot down all I learned and care about and a 233 page book is the result. With superb photography by Nora Novak and beautiful illustrations by Claire Cook, a passionate biologist who love to draw and is super talented. So whether I find a publisher or self publish, stay tuned to get your copy in 2021.

A fun and beautiful cooperation with Studio Inés Lauber and The Monk Garden. A Box full of special, homemade and foraged goodies.

A special edition, for special people, in special times!

Can be purchased in Germany only. Email for info: kit@schoeneheimat.com

One thing I really try to avoid at all times, is to throw food away. Of course, sometimes this happens even to the best food managers, but I believe if we all try to be more aware of what we have, we can add to a sustainable and eco-conscious life.

I had potatoes, kohlrabi, 1/2 bell pepper, butter and an onion. I still had some nasturtiums leaves and flowers and fennel greens on the balcony. My friend Inés came over and we made mashed potatoes with horseradish (that was in the fridge too), and oven-roasted vegetables. Voila, topped with all the greens, it was a delicious, simple and sustaining meal.

You can make a batch of vegetable, beef or chicken broth. Point is, that all cooks very long and on low heat to keep as many minerals and nutrients as possible and warm your system. If you fill it hot into sterilized glass bottles, they are good for several weeks in the fridge.