Gazpacho Recipe

Ever had one of those summer days where you want something refreshing but the thought of turning on the stove makes you melt? That’s when I reach for my go-to chilled concoction—this vibrant and zesty gazpacho that’s like a mouthful of sunshine! 🍅🥒🌿

I love making gazpacho, especially using ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a hint of red wine vinegar for a refreshing and nutritious dish. This chilled Spanish soup, enhanced with fresh herbs like basil and parsley, is packed with vitamins and is perfect for a light, summer meal.

Gazpacho Recipe Ingredients

• Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants; provides vitamin C and lycopene.
• Cucumber: Hydrating; low in calories; provides a cooling effect.
• Red Bell Pepper: High in vitamin A and C; adds sweetness.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor; contains antioxidants.
• Garlic: Boosts immune function; offers antibacterial properties.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats; enhances flavors; antioxidant-rich.
• Lemon Juice: Provides vitamin C; adds a bright, tangy finish.
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley and Basil): Adds fresh aromas; rich in vitamins.

Gazpacho Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 6 large ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 red bell pepper, cored and chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups tomato juice
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

How to Make this Gazpacho Recipe

1. Begin by placing the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic into a large mixing bowl.

2. Pour in the tomato juice, red wine vinegar, and olive oil over the vegetables.

3. Add the salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to the mixture.

4. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

5. Using a blender or food processor, blend the mixture in batches until you achieve your desired smoothness or chunkiness.

6. Once blended, transfer the gazpacho back into the mixing bowl.

7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

8. Just before serving, stir the gazpacho to redistribute any settled ingredients.

9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and basil.

10. Serve chilled in bowls, optionally accompanied by crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy!

Gazpacho Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Blender or food processor
6. Plastic wrap
7. Spoon (for stirring)
8. Bowls (for serving)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones? A: Fresh ripe tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor, but you can substitute canned tomatoes if needed.
• Q: How long will gazpacho keep in the refrigerator? A: Gazpacho will stay fresh for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Q: Is it necessary to peel and seed the cucumber? A: Yes, peeling and seeding the cucumber ensures a smoother texture without any bitterness.
• Q: Can I make this gazpacho without garlic? A: Yes, you can omit the garlic for a milder flavor, though it will alter the traditional taste.
• Q: What can I use instead of red wine vinegar? A: You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as substitutes, keeping in mind it will affect the flavor slightly.
• Q: Is the cayenne pepper mandatory? A: No, cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted to meet your desired level of spiciness.
• Q: Can I blend the soup for a smoother texture? A: Yes, for a smoother gazpacho, blend the ingredients until you reach the desired consistency.

Gazpacho Recipe Substitutions and Variations

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Instead of red bell pepper, use green or yellow bell pepper for a different flavor.

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For red wine vinegar, substitute with sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar.

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Olive oil can be swapped with avocado oil for a slightly different taste.

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Instead of fresh parsley, use cilantro for a more vibrant flavor.

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You can replace basil with fresh mint for a refreshing twist.

Pro Tips

1. Choose the Right Tomatoes For the best flavor, use ripe and juicy tomatoes such as heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes. Their natural sweetness and acidity will enhance the gazpacho.

2. Chill Your Ingredients Before starting, chill your ingredients, especially the tomatoes and cucumber. This will speed up the refrigeration process and ensure your gazpacho is served refreshingly cold.

3. Control the Texture For a smoother texture, blend the gazpacho longer, and if you prefer it chunkier, pulse briefly in the blender. You can even reserve some chopped vegetables to stir in after blending for added texture.

4. Adjust Seasoning to Taste After chilling, taste the gazpacho and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The flavors develop over time, so you may need a touch more salt, pepper, or lemon juice before serving.

5. Enhance Flavor with Garnishes Consider adding garnishes like diced avocado, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or croutons for additional texture and flavor contrast. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil not only add freshness but also visually elevate the dish.