Gazpacho

This Chilled Raw Tomato-Based Spanish Vegetable is soup is perfect for that Hot Summers day!

INGREDIENTS: (Serves 4-6)

1Kg Ripe Tomatoes, peeled* and chopped (use a variety of tomatoes);

1/2 Red Onion, peeled and chopped;

1/2 Cucumber, peeled and chopped;

1 Red Pepper, chopped

2 Slices stale white bread, crust removed;

2 Garlic Cloves, crushed;

15ml Olive Oil;

45ml White or Red Wine Vinegar;

250ml Tomato Juice;

375ml Vegetable Stock or Water;

3ml Sugar;

Salt and Pepper to Taste

METHOD:

Place all the ingredients into a blender until smooth. Season to taste.

Serve chilled with Ice. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

* To Peel a tomato make a shallow X a the bottom of each tomato and plunge into boiling water for 1 minute. Rinse with cold water and peel off the skin.

(For a bit of a kick add a few shots of Vodka and a dash of Tabasco Sauce.)