Recipe-o'-clock: Savor this refreshing chilled gazpacho soup
Gazpacho originates from Andalusia in southern Spain, a chilled soup capturing summer's essence. Dating back to Roman times, it has evolved into a refreshing concoction of ripe tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and lively seasonings. Ideal for sweltering days, gazpacho provides a delightful coolness. Gather your ingredients and blender, for it's time to whip up this traditional delight! Check out the recipe.
Gather the following ingredients
For this gazpacho soup, assemble six tomatoes, one cucumber (peeled and seeded), one chopped green bell pepper, half a red onion (chopped), two minced garlic cloves, three tablespoons olive oil, two tablespoons red wine vinegar, one teaspoon salt, half a teaspoon black pepper, and one cup cold water. For garnishing, you can arrange for diced cucumber, croutons, or herbs of your choice.
Prepare the vegetables
Start by coarsely chopping the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion into chunks that will blend easily. Precision isn't crucial since the mixture will be pureed later. As you chop, transfer the vegetables to a large bowl. Make sure to retain any juices released during this process as they contribute additional flavor to your gazpacho.
Blend your soup base
If your blender is small, work in batches. Combine the coarsely chopped tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle in the olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add cold water to facilitate blending. Pulse the mixture until it reaches your desired texture, whether slightly chunky or perfectly smooth.
Chill and serve
Pour the blended mixture into a large pitcher or bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld beautifully and the soup to chill thoroughly. Serve cold in bowls or glasses garnished with additional diced cucumber, croutons, or freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil for an extra touch.
Enjoy your homemade gazpacho
Your homemade Spanish gazpacho is now ready to be enjoyed! This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy and hydrating on warm days. It's a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly delightful. Share it with friends at a summer gathering or savor it quietly in your own serene moment—either way, this chilled soup is sure to impress!
