Gazpacho

This Spanish style soup is served chilled and perfect when temperatures rise! This low calorie recipe is a wonderful start to any summer meal and incorporates many delicious vegetables available in August.

3 tomatoes, quartered
1 tomato, diced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 red onion, diced
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
2 garlic cloves peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Freshly squeezed juice of one lime
¼ cup fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper (optional) to taste

Prepare all of the vegetables. Set aside one diced tomato, and about ¼ cup of the green pepper, red onion and cucumber.

Place the remaining ingredients into a food processor or blender and puree.

Pour into a bowl and stir in the reserved vegetables.

Chill overnight for the best flavor. Garnish with cilantro and whole wheat croutons if desired.

Makes 4 large servings.

Nutrition information per serving: 45 calories, 0g fat, 45mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 2g protein.