Chilled Mediterranean Gazpacho
Embrace the essence of summer with this vibrant and refreshing Chilled Mediterranean Gazpacho. Bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, crunchy vegetables, and a hint of tang from white wine vinegar, this chilled soup serves as the perfect appetizer or light meal on hot days. Originating from the sun-soaked region of Andalusia, Spain, this soup showcases the best of garden-fresh produce, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a nutritious, flavorful dish. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but can be customized with your favorite vegetables and herbs, allowing you to create a delightful, personalized version. Whether enjoyed at a picnic or served with crusty bread, this gazpacho promises to be a crowd-pleaser!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomato juice or vegetable juice
2 1/2 cups (Use as is)
Tomatoes
1 cup (Peeled, seeded, finely chopped)
Celery
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
Bell pepper
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
Green onion
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
White wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (Use as is)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (Use as is)
Garlic
1 large clove (Minced)
Fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons (Finely chopped)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Use as is)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon (Use as is)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Use as is)
Instructions
1
In a large glass or stainless steel bowl, combine all the ingredients: tomato juice (or vegetable juice), chopped tomatoes, celery, bell pepper, green onion, white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
2
Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4
When ready to serve, give the gazpacho a quick stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, before ladling it into bowls.
5
Garnish with additional fresh herbs or croutons if desired, and enjoy your refreshing summer soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Mediterranean Gazpacho?
It is a vibrant and refreshing cold soup made from raw, garden-fresh vegetables like tomatoes, celery, and bell peppers, originating from the Andalusia region of Spain.
What are the primary ingredients in this gazpacho?
The main ingredients include tomato or vegetable juice, chopped tomatoes, celery, bell peppers, green onions, white wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic.
How should I prepare the tomatoes for this recipe?
The tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and then finely chopped before being added to the soup mixture.
Does this recipe require a blender?
No, this specific recipe involves combining finely chopped vegetables with juice for a chunky texture rather than pureeing them in a blender.
How long should I chill the gazpacho?
It is best to chill the gazpacho in the refrigerator overnight to allow the flavors of the vegetables and seasonings to meld beautifully.
Is this gazpacho recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, though you should check your Worcestershire sauce brand if you want to ensure it contains no anchovies.
Can I use vegetable juice instead of tomato juice?
Yes, you can use either 2 1/2 cups of tomato juice or vegetable juice as the base for this recipe.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
The recipe calls for three tablespoons of white wine vinegar to provide a delicate tang.
What is the best way to serve gazpacho?
Ladle the chilled soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or crunchy croutons.
Can I customize the vegetables in this soup?
Absolutely. This recipe is highly customizable, and you can add or substitute your favorite garden vegetables and herbs.
Is there any cooking involved in making this gazpacho?
No, this is a raw soup that requires no cooking, making it an ideal dish for hot summer days.
What kind of oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor and healthy fats.
Can I make this gazpacho spicy?
Yes, while the base recipe is mild, you can add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or more black pepper to suit your spice preference.
What kind of bowl should I use for mixing?
It is recommended to use a large glass or stainless steel bowl to combine the ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe uses 12 specific ingredients to create its complex flavor profile.
Can I serve this soup at a picnic?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for picnics as it is meant to be served cold and is very refreshing.
How should I store leftover gazpacho?
Keep leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days.
What can I serve alongside this gazpacho?
Crusty bread or a light salad makes an excellent accompaniment to this Mediterranean dish.
Why do I need to seed the tomatoes?
Seeding the tomatoes helps achieve a smoother texture and prevents the soup from becoming too watery or having tough seeds.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is highly nutritious, featuring a variety of fresh vegetables, vitamins, and heart-healthy olive oil.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Fresh parsley is preferred for the best flavor, but you can use dried parsley if needed, though you may want to reduce the amount by half.
What does the Worcestershire sauce add to the recipe?
It adds a subtle savory depth and umami flavor that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar.
Can I use red onion instead of green onion?
Yes, red onion can be substituted for a sharper, more pungent flavor.
Do I need to peel the celery?
It is generally not necessary to peel celery, just ensure it is finely chopped.
What is the origin of Gazpacho?
Gazpacho originates from the sun-soaked region of Andalusia in southern Spain.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but you should check your Worcestershire sauce and garnish (like croutons) for gluten content.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, this recipe is very easy to scale up for larger groups by simply doubling or tripling the measurements.
How finely should the vegetables be chopped?
They should be finely chopped to ensure every spoonful has a bit of every vegetable and a pleasant, consistent texture.
Can I use red bell pepper instead of green?
Yes, you can use any color of bell pepper; red or yellow will provide a slightly sweeter flavor.
Should I stir the soup before serving?
Yes, give the gazpacho a quick stir after it has chilled to redistribute the ingredients and seasonings.