Gazpacho is a delightful cold soup that embodies the essence of summer with its refreshing and vibrant flavors. This recipe combines ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sweet bell pepper, and aromatic herbs to create a cool and satisfying dish. Blended to perfection with tomato juice, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, the soup achieves a harmonious balance of acidity and richness. Here’s a classic Gazpacho recipe, a refreshing cold soup that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients:
- 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups tomato juice
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
- Fresh basil or dill for garnish
- Croutons or crostini for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Vegetables:Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and garlic.
- Blending:In a blender or food processor, combine half of the chopped vegetables with tomato juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Texture: Add the remaining chopped vegetables to the blended mixture. Pulse a few times to create a chunky texture. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Refrigerate the Gazpacho for at least 2 hours or until well-chilled. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning. If needed, add sugar for sweetness, Worcestershire sauce for depth, or hot sauce for a kick.
- Serve: Ladle the chilled Gazpacho into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro.
- Optional: Serve with croutons or crostini on top
- Enjoy: Enjoy this refreshing Gazpacho as a light and flavorful appetizer or a cool and satisfying meal on a hot day.
This Gazpacho is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables and savory flavors, making it a delightful and healthy dish. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences, and enjoy the burst of summer in every spoonful.