Rich Tomato Soup

1. In a small saucepan cook onion and green or sweet red pepper in margarine till very tender.
2. Stiri in basil and ground red pepper, if desired.
3. Cook and stir for 1 minutes more.
4. Remove from heat.
5. In a blender container combine cooked vegetable mixture, tomato juice and buttermilk.
6. Cover and blend till smooth.
7. Return mixture to saucepan and heat through.
8. Or, chill thoroughly.
9. Garnishi each serving with fresh basil leaves or lime slices.