Refreshing Gazpacho Recipe

Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a fresh and flavorful cold soup that originated in the sunny region of Andalusia, Spain. It is made primarily with ripe tomatoes and other fresh vegetables, making it a delicious choice for hot weather. This chilled dish is not only refreshing but also filled with nutrients. It brings together the rich flavors of summer produce and is perfect as a starter or light meal.

Why Make This Recipe

Making gazpacho is a fantastic way to use seasonal vegetables. It is easy to prepare and requires minimal cooking, which is ideal for those warm days. Moreover, gazpacho can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy delicious, homemade flavors without any last-minute fuss. The vibrant colors and fresh taste will impress your family and friends, making it a wonderful dish for gatherings and picnics.

How to Make Gazpacho

Creating your own gazpacho at home is simple and requires just a few steps.

Ingredients:

1 kg / 2 lb ripe tomatoes (~7), cut into 8 wedges, core removed
1 cucumber (20cm/8" long), peeled and diced into 1cm / ½" cubes
1 red capsicum/bell pepper, cut into 1.5 cm / ½" cubes
2 garlic cloves, chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely diced (Note 1)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (+ extra for serving)
1 ½ tbsp sherry vinegar (sub white wine or champagne vinegar)
¾ tsp cooking/kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
Crusty bread
Cucumber, cut into small cubes (optional)

Directions:

Marinate: Toss all the gazpacho ingredients together in a large bowl. Cover and let it sit to marinate, preferably for 12 to 24 hours or at least 3 hours. This helps develop the flavors.
Blitz: Transfer everything into a blender and blitz on high until smooth. If you prefer, you can use a hand blender in a tall jug. For an ultra-smooth texture, pass the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or food mill and discard solids.
Serve: Pour the soup into a bowl and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow bubbles to settle. Stir and ladle the soup into serving bowls.
Garnish: Top with diced cucumber, if desired, and a drizzle of olive oil. Pair with crusty bread for a satisfying meal!

How to Serve Gazpacho

Serve gazpacho chilled, making it a perfect appetizer or refreshing meal. Pair it with crusty bread for a delightful combination. You can add toppings such as diced cucumber or croutons for added texture.

How to Store Gazpacho

Store leftover gazpacho in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day. However, if you add fresh toppings, store them separately until serving time.

Tips to Make Gazpacho

Use the ripest tomatoes you can find for the best taste.
Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities to suit your preference. Less vinegar for a milder flavor or more garlic for an extra kick.
For a spicier version, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce.

Variation

You can customize gazpacho by adding other vegetables like radishes, carrots, or herbs such as basil or parsley for a fresh touch.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tomatoes for gazpacho?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. However, fresh tomatoes will give a superior flavor.

2. Is gazpacho healthy?
Absolutely! Gazpacho is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is low in calories and high in hydration.

3. Can I make gazpacho in advance?
Yes! Gazpacho can be made a day ahead of time. The flavors improve as it sits in the refrigerator.

Enjoy the refreshing taste of gazpacho any time of the year!