Gazpacho is a classic Spanish cold soup that is perfect for hot summer days. Made with fresh, ripe tomatoes and other vegetables, gazpacho is light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a blender. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a delicious and authentic gazpacho that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients for Gazpacho:
- 6 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of tomato juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Croutons, for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How to Make Gazpacho:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
- Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, tomato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Blend until well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
- Transfer the gazpacho to a large bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until chilled.
- Serve the gazpacho cold, garnished with croutons and fresh basil or parsley.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the star ingredient in gazpacho, providing a rich, sweet flavor and a vibrant red color. They are also packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
- Cucumber: Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to the gazpacho and helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Bell Peppers: Bell peppers add sweetness and color to the gazpacho. They are also a great source of vitamins A and C.
- Red Onion: Red onion adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the gazpacho. It can be substituted with white or yellow onion if preferred.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a pungent flavor to the gazpacho and is a staple ingredient in many Spanish dishes.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and a fruity flavor to the gazpacho. It is also a good source of healthy fats.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds acidity and brightness to the gazpacho. It can be substituted with white wine vinegar or sherry vinegar if preferred.
- Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the gazpacho and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Tomato Juice: Tomato juice helps to thin out the gazpacho and add extra tomato flavor. It can be substituted with vegetable broth if preferred.
- Hot Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce: Hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce are optional ingredients that can be added to taste for extra flavor and heat.
This refreshing gazpacho is perfect for serving as a starter or light meal on a hot summer day. Its vibrant colors and flavors are sure to impress your guests and leave them feeling refreshed and satisfied.
