Harvest of the Month Features Peppers

Bell peppers are one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. Though a 3 1/2-oz (100 g) serving of raw bell pepper provides only 20 calories (mostly as carbohydrate and fiber), it is a good source of a large number of nutrients, including vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamin K, thiamine, folic acid, and vitamin B6.

Bell Pepper Gazpacho

• PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Makes 8 Servings (2/3 c. each)ngredients

• 2 c. canned tomatoes or stewed

• 1 c. bloody Mary Mix

• 1/2 cucumber, chopped

• 1/4 c. olive oil

• ½ c. chopped green or red bell pepper

• 1 ½ Tbsp. wine vinegar (or other variety)

• 1 1/2 cloves garlic (1 ½ t.)

• 1/2 tsp. salt (optional)

• 1 Tbsp. green olives (optional)

• ½ t. fresh or 1/8 t. dried oregano leaves

• ½ t. Worcestershire Sauce

• 2 Tbsp. Ground flaxseed (optional)

• ½ t. turmeric

• Hot pepper sauce – as desired

• Black ground pepper to taste

• Sour cream for top

• Minced cilantro (optional)

• Garnish: Cherry tomatoes

Method: Place all ingredients in food processor or blender and blend until vegetables are in very small pieces.  Serve in bell pepper bowls (cut off top ¼ of pepper to form a bowl), topped with sour cream, if desired. Optional minced cilantro.

Makes approx.6 Servings (6 oz. ea.)  Approx. 90 Calories per serving, 5g fat, 9g Carb, 2g Fiber, 1 g Protein