Mexican Gazpacho

Mexican Gazpacho: A Refreshing Explosion of Flavors

If you're looking for a cold soup recipe that will delight your senses and offer a culinary treat, you've come to the right place! Mexican gazpacho is a delicious reinterpretation of the famous Andalusian gazpacho, enriched with vibrant accents from Mexican cuisine. This refreshing soup is perfect for hot summer days, but can be enjoyed anytime you crave a fresh and healthy dish.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 4 large tomatoes (choose firm, preferably organic tomatoes)
- 100 ml tomato juice (opt for natural juice without additives)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste (for an intense flavor)
- 1 large red onion (red onion adds a sweet flavor)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (fresh, for an extra boost of flavor)
- 1 celery stalk (adds a crunchy note)
- 30 ml white vinegar (for acidity)
- 50 ml vegetable oil (extra virgin olive oil is ideal)
- 500 ml water (to dilute the soup)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (fresh aroma)
- 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped (for a Mediterranean touch)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (salt helps enhance flavors)
- 1 teaspoon jalapeño - chopped hot pepper (for a spicy note)
- 2 cucumbers (fresh and crunchy)
- 1 avocado (for creaminess)

Step by Step:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash the tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado well. For a uniform texture, all ingredients should be diced into similar-sized cubes.

2. Chop the vegetables: Dice the 3 large tomatoes and keep one for garnish. Chop the red onion into small cubes. Peel the garlic cloves and lightly crush them with a knife, then chop finely. Cut the celery stalk into small pieces.

3. Blend the ingredients: In a blender or food processor, add the diced tomatoes, tomato juice, tomato paste, chopped onion, and celery. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.

4. Add liquids: Pour the white vinegar, vegetable oil, and water into the mixture. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous texture.

5. Season: Add the salt, chopped fresh basil, and dill. Don’t forget to add jalapeño, depending on how spicy you like it. You can adjust the amount of hot pepper to your taste.

6. Prepare the fresh vegetables: Peel the cucumbers and avocado, then dice them. Chop the reserved tomato into small cubes, which will be added at the end for texture.

7. Chill the soup: Add the cucumber, avocado, and tomato cubes to the prepared soup. Transfer everything to a bowl or pitcher and cover. Refrigerate for at least one hour. This step is essential for the flavors to meld and intensify.

8. Serve: After chilling, serve the gazpacho in bowls, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a bit of chopped green onion. You can also add some avocado cubes for an attractive presentation.

Useful Tips:
- If you want a smoother soup, you can strain the mixture through a fine sieve after blending.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon juice for an extra freshness.
- You can replace jalapeño with another type of hot pepper, according to your preferences.
- If you want to make the gazpacho a heartier appetizer, you can add shrimp or crab meat.

Nutritional Benefits:
Mexican gazpacho is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh vegetables. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, while avocado adds healthy fats beneficial for the heart. A serving of gazpacho has approximately 150 calories, depending on the exact quantities used and the oil added.

Perfect Pairing:
Mexican gazpacho pairs wonderfully with a slice of garlic toast or crunchy nachos. Additionally, a fresh lemonade or a fruit cocktail would perfectly complement the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen vegetables? It is recommended to use fresh vegetables to achieve a unique texture and taste.
- Is it possible to make the gazpacho spicier? Absolutely! Add more jalapeño or other types of hot peppers to taste.
- What can I do with leftover gazpacho? You can use the leftover gazpacho as a dressing for salads or as a base for sauces.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to get to work! Mexican gazpacho is not just a soup, but a culinary experience full of freshness and flavors. Enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!