Cold Tomato-Cilantro Soup

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Pull off a small handful of cilantro leaves to use for garnish and set aside. Tie remaining cilantro into a bundle with kitchen twine.

2. Step 2

   Heat oil in a deep, medium-size heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened and golden, about 8 minutes; reduce heat as needed to prevent browning. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute; then add tomato paste, cumin, paprika and cayenne, and cook until tomato paste begins to darken, about 2 minutes more.

3. Step 3

   Add tomatoes with liquid, 1 quart water, salt and pepper, and cilantro bundle, and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 30 minutes, covered. Set aside until cool enough to blend, then remove cilantro bundle. Using regular or hand-held blender, blend until smooth. Refrigerate until very cold, at least 4 hours or overnight.

4. Step 4

   Just before serving, squeeze in juice of half a lime and add salt and pepper to taste; the soup should not be very salty. If desired, squeeze in remaining lime juice. Serve in small bowls or cups, garnished with a few whole cilantro leaves.