Flavorful Tomato Juice

Name: Flavorful Tomato Juice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 8 medium tomatoes, chopped; 1-1/2 cups water; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped; 3 tablespoons sugar; 3 tablespoons lime juice; 2 teaspoons celery seed; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish; 1/8 teaspoon dried basil; 1/8 teaspoon dried parsley flakes; Dash hot pepper sauce

Jalapenos, spicy pepper sauce and horseradish are some of my favorite cooking ingredients. I knew they were the perfect way to spice up this thick, homemade tomato juice. —Jeannie Linsavage of Albuquerque, New Mexico

Ingredients

8 medium tomatoes, chopped
1-1/2 cups water
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons celery seed
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1/8 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Dash hot pepper sauce

Directions

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until tomatoes are tender. Cool to room temperature.
Transfer mixture to a blender; cover and process until blended. Strain and discard seeds. Return tomato juice to saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 12-18 minutes or until juice measures 3 cups. Cool. Transfer to a pitcher; cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Editor's Note

Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 121 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 624mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.

Originally published as Flavorful Tomato Juice in Light & Tasty August/September 2006