VeggieTalk

I don’t like hot weather, but I do love summer tomatoes. I find spicy tomato juice quite appetizing at times like this. The other day, I decided to augment it with some fresh veggies for a tasty drink that is kind of like a liquid gazpacho. You can vary it by using other fresh veggies of your choice.

Spicy Tomato Juice with Fresh Veggies

3 to 4 servings

• 1 large, ripe summery tomato, cut into large chunks
• 1/3 large flavorful cucumber, peeled *1/2 medium red or yellow bell pepper, cut into large chunks
• Handful of spinach (regular or baby) or other tender greens, rinsed stemmed
• Spicy tomato juice, as needed
• 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon horseradish, or to taste, optional
• Celery stalk for garnish. optional

Combine the tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, and spinach in a food processor, blender, or the container of an immersion blender. Process until smoothly pureed.

Transfer to a quart pitcher. Fill the rest up with the tomato juice, then season with lemon juice and the optional horseradish. Serve over ice and garnish with a celery stalk, if desired.