Description
This Easy Gazpacho recipe offers a refreshing and vibrant cold Spanish soup made from fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for warm days, it requires no cooking, blending fresh ingredients into a smooth, chilled dish bursting with natural flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 lb ripe tomatoes, diced (about 6 tomatoes)
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60 ml)
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (30 ml)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Fill a large bowl with ice water. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cut a small ‘X’ at the bottom of each tomato and immerse them in the boiling water for 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tomatoes to the ice water for 1 to 2 minutes. The skins should peel off easily. Remove and discard the skins, then chop the tomatoes into pieces.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and diced tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, minced shallot, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and let the mixture sit for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to enhance and meld the flavors.
- Blend the Soup: Pour the mixture into a blender and blend on high until the soup becomes smooth and creamy. This ensures a perfect texture for the gazpacho.
- Chill: Transfer the blended gazpacho into the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to develop flavors and serve cold.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the cold gazpacho into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil for a burst of fresh herb aroma and color.
Notes
- Choosing ripe, fresh tomatoes is key to a flavorful gazpacho.
- Peeling the tomatoes removes bitterness and creates a smooth texture.
- Allowing the mixture to sit before blending helps meld the flavors.
- Chilling the soup before serving enhances refreshment and taste.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; add more lemon juice or salt if desired.
