Title: Southwestern Gazpacho (Cafe Terra Cotta)
Categories: Soup Vegetarian Southwest
Yield: 8 Servings

6	md	Tomatoes, peeled and seeded
2	md	White onions
5	c	Tomato juice
2	md	Red bell peppers, seeded
2	md	Green bell peppers, seeded
2	sm	Cucumbers, peeled and seeded
1		Poblano chile, seeded and deveined
1/4	c	Balsamic vinegar
1/2	c	Olive oil
1	tb	Minced garlic
1	ts	Salt
1	ts	Black pepper
1/2	ts	Cayenne pepper
		Chopped cilantro, for garnish
		Sour cream, for garnish

1. Puree the tomatoes and one of the onions in a food processor or blender until smooth, adding some of the tomato juice to liquefy. Dice the peppers, cucumbers, chile, and remaining onion and stir them into the puree. 2. Whisk the vinegar, oil, and garlic together in another bowl. Stir in the diced vegetables and the tomato puree. Add the balance of the tomato juice, making sure the ingredients are well blended. Whisk in the seasonings, adjusting to taste. 3. Chill and serve in soup bowls, garnished with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Note: Try adding some yellow bell pepper when available for extra color. Variation: Recently at the restaurant we have begun to present this dish in a more dramatic way. Instead of mixing in the diced vegetables into the tomato puree in step 1, layer a small portion of each in a juice glass, then unmold it into the center of a deep plate or a shallow soup bowl. Combine the remaining ingredients and spoon them around the vegetable "towers." ref Contemporary Southwest, The Cafe Terra Cotta Cookbook, by Donna Nordin mcRecipe c/o Brenda Adams ~ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Notes : Gazpacho is a hot weather favorite, and given Tucson and Scottsdale temperatures that means nearly year round. The addition of a chopped poblano and cilantro gives this classic dish a southwestern flavor. For additional kick add a jigger of beer to each bowl before serving. Recipe by: Donna Nordin

By kmeade@IDS2.IDSONLINE.COM (The Meades) on Feb 11, 1997.

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