Instructions: Puree the onion, carrots, celery, green pepper, cabbage, and garlic (not all at once!) in a blender, using as much tomato juice as necessary to aid the process. Combine with tomatoes, salsa and herbs, and cook about 15 or 20 minutes. If the rice is partially cooked, add it with everything else; if fully cooked, add near the end of cooking. If the soup is too thick for your taste, add tomato juice or water. Just before serving, stir in a little balsamic vinegar.

I serve this as a main dish, along with bread. Probably makes about 5 or 6 servings.

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