Gazpacho is a cool and refreshing soup that’s perfect for warm days. Made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, it’s like summer in a bowl!
It’s easy to whip up—just blend everything together and chill. I love to sip it on a hot afternoon. It’s like a garden party in your mouth! 🌿🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are the star of gazpacho. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, you can use canned tomatoes. Just drain them well before blending!
Cucumber: I prefer using English cucumbers for their mild flavor and crunchy texture. If you don’t have that on hand, any cucumber works. Just peel and dice it up!
Red Bell Pepper: This adds sweetness and color. You could swap it for yellow or orange bell pepper if you want a different flavor profile, or even use a couple of jalapeños for a kick!
Red Onion: Red onion gives a nice sharpness. If it’s too strong for you, try using a sweeter onion like Vidalia or even green onions for a milder taste.
Garlic: Keep it to two cloves for a light flavor. Feel free to adjust based on your preference—more garlic means more savory punch!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture for Gazpacho?
The texture of gazpacho is key to its refreshing nature. Start blending your ingredients smoothly, but don’t overdo it! You want a nice, thick soup with a bit of texture still.
- Blend the tomatoes and veggies just until smooth. This preserves some chunks, which adds to the mouthfeel.
- Chill the mixed soup for a couple of hours to blend flavors and enhance the refreshing chill.
- Before serving, stir gently. It helps mix things up without losing that lovely texture.
Enjoy your gazpacho as a light lunch or appetizer. It’s one of my favorite ways to cool off during the summer! 🌞🥒🌶️
Classic Spanish Gazpacho
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gazpacho:
- 6 ripe tomatoes, cored and quartered
- 1 small cucumber, peeled and diced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 small red onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 cups tomato juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, thinly sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing gazpacho takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then requires chilling for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together. In total, set aside about 2 hours and 15 minutes for prep and chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend Your Vegetables:
In a blender or food processor, add the quartered tomatoes, peeled and diced cucumber, seeded and diced red bell pepper, quartered red onion, and the cloves of garlic. Blend everything together until you get a smooth mixture. This is the base of your delicious gazpacho!
2. Add Liquid Ingredients:
Once your veggies are blended, pour in the tomato juice, add the red wine vinegar, and drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Blend again until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
3. Season It Up:
Now it’s time to bring out the flavor! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Blend briefly just to mix in the seasoning. Taste and adjust as needed—this is your soup, so make it perfect for you!
4. Chill the Gazpacho:
Transfer the blended gazpacho into a bowl or pitcher. Cover it and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps the flavors merge beautifully and makes it refreshing!
5. Prepare for Serving:
Before serving, give the gazpacho a good stir to mix everything up. Ladle it into bowls or cups, ready to be enjoyed!
6. Garnish to Impress:
Top each serving with some diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and sprinkle with freshly sliced basil or parsley for a lovely finishing touch that adds both color and flavor!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your gazpacho cold, and enjoy the refreshing, vibrant flavors. It’s like a cool breeze on a hot summer day!
Can I Use Canned Tomatoes Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, you can use canned tomatoes. Just make sure to drain them well and adjust the seasoning since canned tomatoes can be a bit salty.
Can I Make Gazpacho Spicier?
Yes! For an extra kick, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce when blending. Adjust to your preference, but start small—you can always add more heat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Gazpacho?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and improve over time, but do stir it well before serving again!
Can I Serve This Gazpacho at Room Temperature?
While gazpacho is typically served cold, it can be enjoyed at room temperature as well. Just make sure to keep it chilled before serving if you prefer it that way!
