Gazpacho II

A delicious cold soup, perfect for spring and summer!

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  large cucumber, peeled and halved
• 1  onion, peeled and halved
• 1  cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1 (4 ounce) jar  diced pimento pepper, drained
• 2 (12 fluid ounce) 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  garlic cloves, minced
• 1⁄2 cup crouton
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh chives

Directions

1. 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.
2. Blend at high speed for 30 seconds to puree the vegetables.
3. 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.
4. Cover mixture and refrigerate until it is well chilled (about 2 hours).
5. Meanwhile saute the croutons in oil and add the garlic; transfer to a small bowl.
6. Place remaining chopped tomato, cucumber, onion and green bell pepper in separate bowls.
7. Serve soup in chilled bowls, garnish with chives, and serve chopped vegetables and croutons as accompaniments.