March Hero: The Garden Project

In keeping faith to promoting charities, I've discovered a program that believes not only in the worth of cultivating the earth but in cultivating the spirit. Located in San Francisco, The Garden Project began in 1982 as the project of Cathrine Sneed whom established a work program for prisoners and the poverty stricken. She combined the efforts of several individuals to "transform the abandoned buildings and fields into a farm that would grow organic vegetables for homeless shelters and soup kitchens – a job training program that used horticulture as a metaphor for personal growth, while benefiting poor communities."

The fruits of her labor also produced receipes for the table. Originally published in Sunset Magazine, her lentil soup is legendary. Let this receipe inspire you to click over to the website and receive more information or perhaps, through the Brunette Confidential monthly community hero charity list, others might strive to begin organizations and charities that lead to a greater good for our cities, our homes, and our spirit.

CATHRINE SNEED’S LENTIL SOUP
Serves 8 - 10


1 pound (2 cups) lentils
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons cumin seed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 head green cabbage (1 lb) shredded
6-8 leaves curly kale (optional)
6 carrots (about 1 lb) peeled and sliced
2 firm ripe tomatoes
6-8 green onions
Salt


Sort lentils and discard debris. Rinse lentils and put into 6-8 quart pan. Add 4 cups water, broth, cumin seed, olive oil, cabbage, kale, carrots, and tomatoes.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover and simmer gently, stirring until vegetables are soft and blended, about 1 hr. Trim ends from onions and chop. Ladle soup into bowls, add onions, and season to taste with salt.