Nopal Cactus Soup

Ingredients (for 4 servings)

• 4 whole — large plum tomatoes
• 1 whole — large garlic clove
• 0 whole — medium white onion
• 1 whole — serrano pepper, chopped
• 2 Tbsp — vegetable oil
• 3 cups — vegetable broth
• 3 whole — large cooked nopales, diced (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 1 whole — sprig cilantro
• 1 whole — Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup — hominy (from a can), drained and rinsed
• 1 cup — rice (optional) served on the side