Ingredients:
4 large red ripe tomatoes, peeled* and seeded
1 medium cucumber, peeled
2 cups tomato juice
1/2 medium red onion, cut into chunks
1/2 yellow or green bell pepper, cored and seeded into chunks
3-4 garlic cloves, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
l/4 teaspoon ground cumin
l/2 teaspoon half salt, half salt-substitute mixture
Few dashes of Tabasco sauce
1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
2 lemons, quartered
l/2 cup diced red onion
l/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
8 slices French bread

How to make this recipe:
Puree tomatoes, cucumber, tomato juice, onion, bell pepper, and garlic in blender. Strain in a fine sieve forcing liquid into a medium bowl; discard seeds and peel left in strainer.

Stir in olive oil, vinegar, cumin, salt, and Tabasco. Chill for 2 to 3 hours.

Garnish with side bowls of avocado, lemon wedges, onion, and parsley. Serve with 8 slices toasted French bread. Notes: *To peel tomatoes, gently scorch tomato skin over stove burner until it blisters then immediately wrap tomatoes in a cool damp cloth for a few minutes. the peel will separate easily.

Makes 8 servings

- Latina Lite Cooking