Authentic Spanish Gazpacho
This refreshing Gazpacho recipe, inspired by the famous southern Spanish cold soup, brings the essence of summer right to your table. Ideal for a light lunch or as a vibrant starter, this dish is packed with wholesome vegetables and a hint of tanginess from sherry wine vinegar. Perfectly chilled, the Gazpacho is not only delicious but also a simple way to celebrate fresh produce. The combination of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and the sweetness of orange bell peppers creates a symphony of flavors that transport you to the sunlit plazas of Spain. Ideal for sharing with friends and family, this delightful soup will awaken your taste buds and impress your guests.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomatoes
2 lbs (Roughly chopped)
English cucumber
1 (Peeled and roughly chopped)
Garlic
1 clove (Peeled and roughly chopped)
Orange bell pepper
1 (Seeded and roughly chopped)
Shallot
1 medium (Peeled and roughly chopped)
Kosher salt
1 pinch
Black pepper
1 pinch
Extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (For blending and drizzling)
Sherry wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Start by gathering all your fresh ingredients: tomatoes, cucumber, garlic, bell pepper, and shallot.
2
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped tomatoes, peeled and chopped cucumber, roughly chopped garlic, seeded and chopped orange bell pepper, and peeled and chopped shallot.
3
Generously season the mixture with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper, and toss everything together to combine.
4
Pour the vegetable mixture into a blender (you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding) and blend until smooth, leaving some small vegetable pieces for added texture if desired.
5
While blending, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and sherry wine vinegar to emulsify the mixture.
6
Once blended to your liking, transfer the soup back into the mixing bowl.
7
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Gazpacho for at least 1 hour; this chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
8
When ready to serve, ladle the chilled Gazpacho into bowls and drizzle each serving with a bit of extra virgin olive oil for an added touch of richness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Spanish Gazpacho?
Authentic Spanish Gazpacho is a refreshing cold soup from Southern Spain made with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
What are the main ingredients in this Gazpacho recipe?
The main ingredients include 2 lbs of tomatoes, one English cucumber, garlic, an orange bell pepper, shallot, olive oil, and sherry wine vinegar.
How long does it take to chill Gazpacho?
It is recommended to refrigerate the Gazpacho for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains only vegetables, vinegar, and olive oil.
Is Gazpacho served hot or cold?
Gazpacho is traditionally served perfectly chilled as a refreshing summer dish.
What type of vinegar should I use for Gazpacho?
This recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of sherry wine vinegar for a hint of authentic tanginess.
Can I add more texture to my Gazpacho?
Yes, you can blend until smooth or leave some small vegetable pieces for added texture if you prefer.
What type of tomatoes are best for this soup?
Ripe tomatoes are best for this recipe to ensure a deep flavor and the correct consistency.
Should I peel the cucumber for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe suggests using one peeled and roughly chopped English cucumber.
Do I need to seed the bell pepper?
Yes, you should seed and roughly chop one orange bell pepper before adding it to the mixture.
How do I emulsify the olive oil into the soup?
To emulsify, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while the blender is running.
Can I use a regular blender to make this?
Yes, a regular blender works well, though you may need to blend in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Is Gazpacho considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is packed with wholesome vegetables and is described as a healthy lunch or vibrant starter.
What is a good side dish for Gazpacho?
Gazpacho works great as a side dish itself or can be served with crusty bread or a light salad.
How long can I store leftover Gazpacho in the fridge?
Leftover Gazpacho can typically be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Gazpacho for later use?
While possible, freezing is not ideal as it can negatively change the texture of the fresh vegetable puree.
Why is sherry wine vinegar recommended?
Sherry wine vinegar provides a specific Spanish tang that complements the fresh tomatoes and olive oil better than other vinegars.
What kind of bell pepper is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one orange bell pepper for its sweetness and to maintain a vibrant color.
Is there any bread in this specific Gazpacho recipe?
No, this version of Gazpacho does not include bread, making it naturally lighter and gluten-free.
Can I use red onion instead of shallots?
The recipe calls for a medium shallot, but red onion can be used as a substitute if you prefer a sharper taste.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
This recipe uses one clove of peeled and roughly chopped garlic for a subtle flavor.
What is the role of extra virgin olive oil in the recipe?
Olive oil is used for emulsification during blending and as a final drizzle for added richness.
Can I make this soup a day in advance?
Yes, making it in advance is recommended as it gives the flavors more time to develop in the refrigerator.
What garnish should I use when serving?
A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on each bowl is the recommended garnish for this dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, since it contains no bread or grain-based thickeners, this Gazpacho recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Which region of Spain does this dish originate from?
Gazpacho is inspired by the famous cold soups originating from the southern regions of Spain.
Can I add spicy peppers to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, you can add a pinch of chili or a spicy pepper if you prefer more heat.
How many pounds of tomatoes do I need?
You will need 2 lbs of roughly chopped tomatoes for this authentic batch.
Do I need to cook any of the ingredients first?
No cooking is required; all ingredients are blended raw to preserve their nutritional value and fresh flavors.
Is this a good recipe for the summer season?
Yes, it is the ideal refreshing dish for summer when fresh garden produce is at its peak.