Fresh Tomato Soup

• 3 md Tomatoes; peeled and quartered, or one can (14 1/2-oz.) tomatoes, cut up
• 1 1/2 c Water
• 1/2 c Chopped onion;, (1 med.)
• 1/2 c Chopped celery;, (1 stalk)
• 1/2 cn (6-oz) tomato paste (1/3 cup)
• 2 tb Snipped fresh cilantro or parsley
• 2 ts Instant chicken bouillon granules
• 2 ts Lime or lemon juice
• 1 ts Sugar
• Few dashes bottled hot pepper sauce
• Snipped fresh cilantro or parsley,, (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   If desired, seed tomatoes.

2. 2

   In a large saucepan combine fresh or undrained canned tomatoes, water, onion, celery, tomato paste, the 2 tablespoons cilantro or parsley, bouillon granules, lime juice or lemon juice, sugar, and hot pepper sauce.

3. 3

   Bring to boiling; reduce heat.

4. 4

   Cover and simmer about 20 minutes or till celery and onion are very tender.

5. 5

   Cool slightly.

6. 6

   Place half tomato mixture into a blender container or a food processor bowl.

7. 7

   Cover and blend or process till smooth.

8. 8

   Repeat with remaining mixture.

9. 9

   Return all to pan; heat through or serve chilled.

10. 10

    Garnish each serving with additional cilantro or parsley, if desired.

11. 11

    Makes 4 side-dish servings.