Gazpacho is a refreshing and chilled Spanish soup that’s perfect for hot summer days. It’s made primarily from fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, blended together with olive oil and vinegar. Here’s a classic recipe for gazpacho:
Ingredients:
- 6 ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and 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 (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Croutons (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Reserve a small portion of these veggies for garnish if desired.
- Blend the vegetables: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic. Pulse a few times to break down the vegetables.
- Add the liquids: Add the tomato juice, red wine vinegar, and extra-virgin olive oil to the blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Season the gazpacho: Taste the gazpacho and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and black pepper to taste. If the gazpacho is too acidic, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Chill: Transfer the gazpacho to a large bowl or pitcher, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to become well chilled.
- Serve: Before serving, give the gazpacho a good stir. Ladle it into bowls or glasses. If desired, garnish with reserved chopped vegetables, fresh basil leaves, and croutons.
- Enjoy: Gazpacho is best served cold. It’s a light and refreshing soup that can be a starter or a main course on a hot day.
Gazpacho is highly customizable, and you can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste. Some variations include adding a touch of hot sauce for heat or using yellow or orange bell peppers for a different flavor. It’s a healthy and hydrating option packed with vitamins and antioxidants.