Gazpacho

Gazpacho – a perfect cold soup recipe for hot days

Gazpacho is a traditional cold soup from Spain, full of freshness and flavor, making it perfect for scorching summer days. This simple recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers an explosion of tastes, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Moreover, it is a quick summer dish that can impress any guest. Let’s get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients for a delicious gazpacho:
- 6 ripe tomatoes (about 1 kg), preferably Roma or San Marzano for an intense flavor
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 50 ml red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar for a sweeter note)
- 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 slices of bread (ideally homemade or baguette) to enrich the texture

Preparing the gazpacho:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing the tomatoes. If using fresh tomatoes, you can blanch them for 1-2 minutes and remove the skin for a smoother texture. Cut them in half and remove the seeds, then place them in a large bowl.

2. Soak the bread: Cut the slices of bread into cubes of about 2 cm and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes. This will help create a creamier consistency.

3. Add the other ingredients: Once the bread has soaked, add the cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic. These ingredients will provide a vibrant flavor and complement the taste of the tomatoes.

4. Blending: Use a high-power blender to turn the mixture into a smooth soup. If you prefer a thicker texture, you can leave some larger pieces. Add the olive oil and vinegar, then blend again to thoroughly integrate the ingredients.

5. Seasoning: Taste the gazpacho and add salt and pepper to your preference. You can adjust the acidity level by adding more vinegar if necessary.

6. Chilling: Transfer the gazpacho to a container and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step will allow the flavors to meld together, and the soup will be much more refreshing.

Serving suggestions and variations:
For a more appealing presentation, serve the gazpacho in deep bowls, garnished with fresh vegetable cubes (e.g., peppers, cucumber, or tomatoes) and a few drops of olive oil on top. You can add croutons for an extra crunch.

If you want to experiment, you can add a splash of Tabasco sauce for a spicy kick or replace some of the tomatoes with melon or pineapple for an exotic touch. Additionally, a vegetarian version could include adding avocado for a creamy texture.

This gazpacho is not just a simple and quick recipe, but also an excellent way to enjoy seasonal vegetables, providing you with a healthy and delicious dish. Enjoy it with a glass of chilled white wine and savor every sip!