REAL TOMATO SOUP


3 medium tomatoes, peeled and quartered or 16-0z.) can tomatoes, cut up
1-1/2 cups water
½ cup chopped onions
½ cup chopped celery
½ of a 6-oz. can (1/3 cup) tomato paste
1 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons instant chicken bouillon granules
2 teaspoons lime juices or lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
few dashes bottled hot pepper sauce
snipped fresh parsley (optional)


If desired, seed the fresh tomatoes

In a large saucepan combine fresh tomatoes or undrained canned tomatoes, water, onion, celery, tomato paste, parsley, chicken bouillon granules, lime juice or lemon juice, sugar and hot pepper sauce.

Bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered about 20 minutes or until celery and onions are very tender. Cool the mixture slightly.

Place one-third of the mixture in a blender container. Cover and blend till smooth. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

Return all of the mixture to the saucepan; heat through, if desired, garnish with additional parsley.


Yield: 4 servings.