Rich Tomato Soup

By GratefulSea

Add 1-2 Tblsp cream sherry as a flavor enhancer. Very nice with whole wheat croutons.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup chopped green or red sweet pepper
• 1 tablespoon margarine
• 1-1/2 teaspoons snipped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (optional)
• 2 cups tomato juice
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Fresh basil leaves or lime slices (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

In a small saucepan cook onion and green or sweet red pepper in margarine until very tender. Stir in basil and ground red pepper, if desired. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Remove from heat.

In a blender container combine cooked vegetable mixture, tomato juice, and buttermilk. Cover and blend until smooth.

Return mixture to saucepan and heat through. Or, chill thoroughly. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves or lime slices, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare soup; cover and chill up to 24 hours. Serve cold or reheat over medium heat, stirring constantly until heated through.