Tomato Rice Soup

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 stick celery finely sliced
• 1/2 red bell pepper sliced
• 750 ml tomato juice
• 1 (30 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup white rice
• 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
• Makes 4 servings

Directions

1. Melt the butter in large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and cook until translucent and tender.
3. Add garlic and cook for one minute.
4. Add the celery and red bell pepper and cook another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add tomato juice, can of diced tomatoes, herbs, salt, pepper and rice.
6. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer for
7. 20 minutes Add the parsley and simmer another 10 minutes. Shut off.
8. Serve hot.