Dive into the vibrant world of Spanish cuisine with our refreshing Tomato and Cucumber Gazpacho! Perfect for those hot summer days, this chilled soup bursts with the flavors of ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, making it a delightful appetizer or light meal. Imagine savoring a bowl of this deliciously cool concoction, packed with fresh vegetables and a hint of basil – it's like a summer picnic in every spoonful! Ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Let’s get started on this simple yet stunning recipe that will keep you coming back for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 cups tomato juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all fresh vegetables by thoroughly rinsing them under cool running water. Pat dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Core and chop ripe tomatoes into rough chunks, removing any hard stem areas. Peel cucumber and chop into similar-sized pieces.
- Seed and chop bell pepper, removing white membrane and stem. Finely dice the small red onion to ensure even distribution of flavor.
- Place chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Add tomato juice, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
- Using a blender or food processor, puree the vegetable mixture until smooth and well combined. For a traditional texture, pulse briefly to maintain some vegetable texture.
- Season the gazpacho with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Cover the gazpacho and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and chill thoroughly.
- Before serving, stir the gazpacho and taste for final seasoning adjustments.
- Pour into chilled bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately as a refreshing cold soup.
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. Heirloom varieties can add a unique taste to your gazpacho.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the gazpacho to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a more delicious dish.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture in the blender a few times instead of blending it until completely smooth.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Don’t skip the fresh basil garnish! It adds a fragrant touch that elevates the overall flavor of the gazpacho.
- Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or avocado for a twist. Each addition can bring a new layer of flavor to your gazpacho.
- Serve in Style: For an elegant presentation, chill your serving bowls in the freezer before pouring in the gazpacho. It keeps the soup cold longer and looks impressive!
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. A glass of chilled white wine pairs perfectly with this refreshing soup.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
