Cooking time: few mins.
Preparation time: 25 mins.
Main cooking utensil: saucepan

For 4 people you need:
1 beef bouillon cube
1 5-oz. can tomato juice
2 cups water
2 envelopes unflavored gelatin
2 tomatoes
½ green sweet pepper
½ cucumber
3 tablespoons corn oil
3 tablespoons white or wine vinegar
seasoning

Garnish:
small lemon slices

1. Heat bouillon cube, tomato juice, and most of water. Soften gelatin in remaining cold water, add to stock mixture, heat until gelatin is dissolved.
2. Put in cool place to stiffen slightly.
3. Meanwhile peel and chop tomatoes; remove core and seeds from pepper and chop very finely; peel cucumber, remove seeds and dice very finely.
4. Pour the corn oil and vinegar over the vegetables, season lightly, then leave to stand.
5. Blend the tomato mixture and prepared vegetables, leave to set.

TO SERVE: Break up the soup with a fork, put into chilled glasses, and garnish with lemon.

TO VARY: Classic gazpacho: Blend 1 lb. skinned tomatoes, 1 peeled, de-seeded diced cucumber, 1 finely chopped onion, 1-2 crushed garlic cloves – either sieve or blend until smooth. Add finely diced de-seeded green pepper, gradually beat in seasoning, a little olive oil, lemon juice, and enough ice-cold water to give flowing consistency. Serve cold.

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