Description
Summer Gazpacho is a refreshing and vibrant cold Spanish soup made from the freshest seasonal vegetables. It combines ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and zesty red peppers into a smooth, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for hot days and ideal as a light lunch or elegant starter. Easy to prepare with no cooking required, this flavorful and colorful soup can be customized to your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, peeled and chopped (optional to peel)
- 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh bread, for blending or serving on the side
- Pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño (for spicy version)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, cilantro) for garnish
- Diced vegetables for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Wash and roughly chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion. Peeling the cucumber is optional but helps create a smoother texture if desired.
- Step 2: Blend the Base
Place the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and garlic in a blender or food processor. Pulse until you achieve your preferred consistency, whether smooth or slightly chunky.
- Step 3: Season and Add Liquid
Add the extra virgin olive oil and sherry vinegar to the blender, then season with salt and pepper. Blend briefly again to thoroughly combine all ingredients.
- Step 4: Chill the Soup
Transfer the soup to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Before serving, stir the gazpacho and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve cold, garnished with diced vegetables, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil as desired.
Notes
- Use ripe, vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes for best flavor.
- Keep all vegetables chilled before blending to maximize freshness.
- Adjust vinegar and salt gradually to balance acidity and flavor.
- Blend in batches if making a large quantity for consistent texture.
- Let the soup rest after blending to improve flavor melding and mellow harsh notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg