Rec: Gazpacho

2 Roma (plum) tomatoes, quartered
1 large cucumber, peeled and halved
1 onion, peeled and halved
1 cup green bell pepper, diced
1 (4 oz) jar diced pimento peppers, drained
2 (12 oz) cans tomato juice
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup croutons
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives



In a blender combine one tomato, half the cucumber,
half the onion, a green bell pepper quarter, the pimento
and 1/2 cup tomato juice. Blend at high speed for 30
seconds to puree the vegetables. In a large bowl mix
the pureed vegetables with remaining tomato juice,
1/4 cup olive oil, vinegar, hot pepper sauce, salt and
ground black pepper. Cover mixture and refrigerate
until it is well chilled (about 2 hours). Meanwhile saute
the croutons in oil and add the garlic; transfer to a
small bowl. Place remaining chopped tomato,
cucumber, onion and green bell pepper in separate
bowls. Serve soup in chilled bowls, garnish with
chives, and serve chopped vegetables and croutons
as accompaniments.


Serves 4 to 6
Refrigerate remainder