Gazpacho: A Cool and Healthy Summer Soup

Gazpacho is a refreshing Spanish cold soup known for its vibrant blend of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and aromatic herbs, all pureed to create a chilled, tangy delight

Ingredients:

For the soup:

• 6 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups tomato juice
• 1/4 cup red vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For garnish:

• Croutons (optional)
• Chopped fresh basil or cilantro
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Slices of cucumber, bell pepper, and/or tomato

Instructions:

1. Start by peeling and chopping the tomatoes. To easily peel them, score a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, and then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should easily slide off. Remove the cores and chop the tomatoes.
2. Peel and chop the cucumber, red and green bell peppers, red onion, and mince the garlic cloves.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic.
4. Use a blender or food processor to blend this mixture until smooth. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your blender or food processor.
5. Once blended, transfer the mixture back to the mixing bowl and stir in the tomato juice, red vinegar, and olive oil. Mix well.
6. Season the gazpacho with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a pinch of sugar if the soup is too acidic for your liking.
7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the gazpacho for at least 2 hours or until it’s thoroughly chilled.
8. Before serving, taste the gazpacho and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve the gazpacho in chilled bowls or glasses. Garnish with croutons, chopped basil or cilantro, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and slices of cucumber, bell pepper, and tomato.
10. Enjoy your homemade gazpacho as a refreshing appetizer or light meal on a hot day!

You can try our other recipes too for a yummy taste bud, Have a good day or evening