Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  2              large  garlic cloves -- peeled
  1           teaspoon  salt
  1         tablespoon  chopped basil
  2        tablespoons  chopped parsley
     1/4      teaspoon  dried thyme
  2          teaspoons  sweet paprika
  1         tablespoon  tomato paste
  2        tablespoons  fruity olive oil
  2                     bay leaves
  1              large  onion -- cut in 6ths
                        - and sliced thinly crosswise
  1              pinch  saffron threads -- (generous)
  2             pounds  ripe tomatoes; peeled
                        - seeded and chopped
                        - juice reserved
  2             medium  green bell peppers
                        - chopped into small squares
  6               cups  water
     1/3           cup  white rice
                        freshly ground pepper
                        chopped basil -- for garnish
                        - =or=- chopped parsley
                        fresh grated parmesan cheese

Preparation:

POUND THE GARLIC in a mortar with 1 teaspoon salt. Pound garlic until is has broken down to a paste, then gradually work in the basil, parsley, thyme, paprika and tomato paste. Warm the oil in a soup pot, add the garlic-herb paste and mix together. As soon as the oil is hot, add the bay leaves and the onion. Sprinkle the saffron directly over the onion, stir everything together and cook for 10 minutes or until the onion has softened. Add the pepper, tomatoes, their juice and the water to the pot. Bring to a boil then immediately lower the heat and cook for 25 minutes at a simmer. While the soup is cooking, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil; add a dash to salt and the rice. Boil until the rice is tender, about 12-to-15 minutes, then drain. Stir the rice into the finished soup, season with pepper. Serve the soup garnished with the fresh herbs and cheese.

Nutritional Information:

90 Calories (kcal); trace Total Fat; (3% calories from fat); 2g Protein; 20g Carbohydrate; 0mg Cholesterol; 580mg Sodium