Gazpacho

Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a refreshing Spanish cold soup that’s perfect for warm weather. Here’s a classic recipe to get you started:

Classic Gazpacho Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 6 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or sherry vinegar)
  • 2 cups tomato juice (or water)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and garlic.
  2. Blend the Soup: Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.
  3. Add Liquids: Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and tomato juice (or water) to the blender. Blend again until everything is well combined and the soup is smooth.
  4. Season: Taste the gazpacho and season with ground cumin (if using), salt, and pepper to your liking. If the soup is too thick, you can add more tomato juice or water to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Chill: Transfer the gazpacho to a large bowl or pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until well chilled. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  6. Serve: Stir the gazpacho before serving. Serve it chilled, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Optional Garnishes:

  • Diced cucumber
  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Croutons
  • A drizzle of olive oil

Enjoy your homemade gazpacho! It’s light, flavorful, and a great way to enjoy fresh summer vegetables.