Gazpacho

Ingredients

• 4 medium tomatoes
• 1 cup cucumber, chopped
• 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, very finely chopped
• 1/4 cup ripe olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 small garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• crouton (optional)
• hard-boiled egg, grated (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Plunge tomatoes into boiling water for 30 seconds to loosen the skins. Remove and immerse in cold water. Remove the loosened skins. Coarsely chop the tomatoes. (You should have 1 1/2 cups of tomato).

2. 2

   In a mixing bowl combine chopped tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, onion, olives, and garlic. Stir in cold water, vinegar, oil, sugar, salt, cumin, and pepper. Cover and chill thoroughly. Garnish each serving with croutons or grated egg.