Gazpacho (salad soup)

8 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2Cloves garlic
2White bread slices
1Cucumber -- sliced
½Green bell pepper
½cupWater
¼cupOlive oil
2poundsTomatoes
¼cupChopped onions
¼cupPimientos -- chopped
1teaspoonSalt
Black pepper -- to taste
2tablespoonsWine vinegar
3cupsVegetable stock, condensed
* see note
½cupFresh herbs -- ** see note

Directions

* Use low-sodium chicken stock or broth if vegetable stock is not available. ** For herbs, use your choice of chives, parsley, basil, or tarragon. All ingredients should be as fresh as possible.

1. Crush garlic in bowl and add bread which has been torn into small pieces. This helps give the soup consistency. Add sliced cucumber, diced green pepper, water and olive oil. Allow this mixture to marinate for several hours. 2. Add cut-up tomatoes, onions, pimiento and salt to chilled mixture. Blend in blender or food processor until the texture you prefer. Chill thoroughly. 3. Just before serving, mix in vinegar, cold stock and herbs. For added color, flavor and texture, garnish with garlic croutons, watercress or lime slices.

Recipe By : Jo Anne Merrill