Impress your guests with this Spanish gazpacho andaluz recipe
Gazpacho andaluz, a traditional Spanish soup from Andalusia, is served cold. This blend of raw vegetables is perfect for hot summer months, known for its vibrant color and rich texture. It cools from the inside out and has been a part of Spanish culture for centuries. Let's bring this refreshing taste of Spain to your table.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare this delightful soup, you will need one kilogram of ripe tomatoes, one small cucumber (peeled), one green bell pepper (seeded), half an onion, two cloves of garlic (minced), 75 milliliters of extra virgin olive oil, two tablespoons of red wine vinegar, salt to taste, and ice water to adjust consistency. For garnishing: diced cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and croutons.
Preparing the vegetables
Begin by thoroughly washing all your vegetables under cold running water. Roughly chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper and onion into chunks that will easily blend. There's no need for perfection in chopping since it will all be blended together. This step is crucial for ensuring that your gazpacho has a smooth texture and that each spoonful is packed with flavor.
Blending ingredients together
In a blender or food processor combine the chopped vegetables along with minced garlic cloves. Add half of the olive oil and red wine vinegar at this stage as well. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. Depending on your preference for texture in gazpacho — some prefer it chunky while others like it very smooth — you may blend less or more.
Seasoning and chilling
Pour the blend into a large bowl. Gradually mix in the remaining olive oil, tasting to balance the vinegar and tomato acidity. Season with salt to taste. Adjust the consistency with ice water, according to preference for thickness. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving, allowing flavors to meld. This chilling enhances the soup's taste and texture.
Serving suggestions
Serve chilled gazpacho andaluz in bowls or deep plates, garnished with finely diced cucumber, bell pepper, and onion pieces alongside crispy croutons for texture contrast. This dish is perfect as a refreshing starter or light meal on warm days, offering hydration and nourishment from its wholesome ingredients. Enjoy this Spanish delicacy that combines simplicity and freshness in every spoonful.
