Here’s a refreshing recipe for Easy Gazpacho Recipe, a chilled Spanish soup that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Easy Gazpacho Recipe, is a refreshing, chilled Spanish soup made with fresh, raw vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Known for its vibrant color and fresh taste, this dish originated in the hot, sunny region of Andalusia, where locals sought a cool, nourishing meal during the warm months. This easy gazpacho recipe captures the essence of summer, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time. Perfect as a light lunch, appetizer, or healthy snack, this cold soup is a delicious way to stay hydrated and savor the flavors of ripe, seasonal produce.
Easy Gazpacho Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-5 slices stale artisan bread, crust removed
- 1/2 cup water (for soaking the bread)
- 5 large ripe tomatoes (about 2 pounds), cored and chopped
- 1/2 English cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped (optional)
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and roughly chopped
- 2 green onions, trimmed and roughly chopped (more for garnish)
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Small handful fresh mint leaves, torn or chopped (for garnish)
- Small handful fresh cilantro leaves, torn or chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Soak the Bread:
- Place the bread slices in a bowl with 1/2 cup of water. Let the bread soak while you prepare the other ingredients. Once soaked, squeeze out excess water from the bread.
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- For easier peeling, blanch the tomatoes by placing them in boiling water for about 40 seconds. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them cool slightly before peeling off the skins.
- Blend the Ingredients:
- In a large food processor or blender, combine the peeled tomatoes, cucumber, celery (if using), bell pepper, green onions, garlic, and soaked bread.
- Add the olive oil and sherry vinegar. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend until just combined.
- Season the Gazpacho:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), and sugar (if needed). If the soup is too thick, you can add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
- Chill:
- Transfer the gazpacho to a glass container or large canning jars. Cover tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- When ready to serve, give the gazpacho a quick stir. Ladle into serving bowls or small glasses.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and garnish with fresh mint, cilantro, and additional chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Gazpacho can be customized by adding other vegetables like radishes or carrots.
- Serve with crusty bread or as part of a tapas spread for an authentic experience.
Easy Gazpacho Recipe
In this simple gazpacho recipe, fresh tomatoes serve as the base, giving the soup its bright color and naturally sweet taste. Start by selecting ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor, and add diced cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions to the mix. These vegetables provide a refreshing crunch and a balance of flavors, while a touch of garlic adds a subtle kick. Blend all ingredients with extra-virgin olive oil, which gives the gazpacho a silky texture, and a splash of red wine vinegar for a slight tang that brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. A pinch of salt and black pepper completes the seasoning, enhancing each flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
For the best results, chill the gazpacho for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to become wonderfully cold. The final texture should be smooth, with a bit of body from the vegetables. Some prefer a chunkier gazpacho, so you can blend it to your desired consistency or set aside a few diced vegetables to stir in after blending for extra texture.
Gazpacho is traditionally served in a bowl or even a glass, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a few chopped veggies on top for a colorful presentation. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, to add an aromatic finish.
This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread for dipping, or as part of a tapas spread alongside olives and cheeses. Not only is gazpacho refreshing, but it’s also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydrating properties, making it as nutritious as it is delicious. This easy gazpacho recipe brings a taste of Spain to your table, delivering a cooling, vibrant dish that’s perfect for warm days or whenever you crave a burst of fresh, summery flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Gazpacho! It’s a vibrant and healthy dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite.