Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a refreshing and flavorful cold Spanish soup, perfect for hot weather. It’s traditionally made with a blend of fresh vegetables and is known for its bright, tangy taste. Here’s a classic recipe for Gazpacho:

Ingredients:

• 6 large ripe tomatoes (cored and roughly chopped)
• 1 medium cucumber (peeled, seeded, and chopped)
• 1 medium red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
• 1 small red onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or sherry vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1-2 cups tomato juice (or water, for desired consistency)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Optional Garnishes:

• Diced cucumber
• Diced bell peppers
• Croutons
• Chopped hard-boiled eggs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables:

   • In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic.

2. Blend the mixture:

   • Transfer the vegetable mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. You can blend it in batches if necessary.

3. Adjust the consistency:

   • If the soup is too thick, add tomato juice or water to reach your desired consistency. Blend again to incorporate.

4. Season and chill:

   • Stir in the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
   • Chill the gazpacho in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and to serve it cold.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the gazpacho cold, garnished with your choice of optional toppings like diced cucumber, bell peppers, croutons, or chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Tips:

• Texture: If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve some of the chopped vegetables and stir them into the blended soup before serving.
• Flavor: Gazpacho can be customized with additional ingredients like jalapeño for heat or fresh herbs like cilantro or chives for extra flavor.
• Storage: Gazpacho can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It may become thicker over time, so adjust the consistency with a bit more tomato juice or water if needed before serving.

Gazpacho is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy fresh, seasonal vegetables in a light and healthy way.