Chilled Mediterranean Gazpacho Delight
This refreshing Chilled Mediterranean Gazpacho Delight brings the vibrant flavors of summer right into your bowl. With ripe tomatoes and crisp vegetables blended to perfection, this no-cook Spanish soup is not only easy to whip up, but its flavors deepen and improve over time, making it perfect for preparing in advance. Although the olive oil is optional, adding it enhances the texture and richness of the soup, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. Serve this delightful gazpacho chilled, garnished with fresh herbs or creamy avocado for an elevated touch, and enjoy a taste of Mediterranean sunshine with every spoonful.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
ripe tomatoes
2 (peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped or use 1 (28 ounce) can of best-quality plum tomatoes, chopped)
sweet onion
1 medium (coarsely chopped (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla))
cucumber
1 large (peeled and coarsely chopped)
green bell pepper
1/2 (coarsely chopped)
red bell pepper
1/2 (coarsely chopped)
scallions
2 (coarsely chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup (optional, but recommended for flavor)
sherry wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (for acidity and depth of flavor)
hot pepper sauce
1-2 teaspoons (for spice (adjust to taste))
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (for warm spice notes)
chilled tomato juice
1/2-1 cup (to adjust consistency)
salt & freshly ground black pepper
to taste
garnish
optional (sliced scallions or diced avocado)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped tomatoes (or canned plum tomatoes), coarsely chopped sweet onion, cucumber, green and red bell peppers, scallions, and garlic cloves.
2
Using a blender, process the vegetable mixture in batches of two cups, blending until finely chopped but not completely pureed. You want to maintain some texture.
3
Transfer the blended vegetables back into the large bowl and stir in the extra virgin olive oil, sherry or balsamic vinegar, hot pepper sauce, and ground cumin. Mix well.
4
Gradually stir in chilled tomato juice until you reach your desired soup consistency—thick yet pourable.
5
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting as necessary.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least two hours, or up to two days for the best flavor development.
7
Before serving, give the gazpacho a good stir. Ladle it into bowls or pour it from a wide-mouth pitcher at the table. Garnish with sliced scallions, diced avocado, croutons, or fresh herbs as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Mediterranean Gazpacho Delight?
It is a refreshing, no-cook Spanish cold soup featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and Mediterranean flavors.
Is this gazpacho recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe uses plant-based ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and olive oil, making it suitable for vegans.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is entirely vegetarian.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include ripe tomatoes, sweet onion, cucumber, bell peppers, scallions, garlic, and tomato juice.
Do I need to cook any part of this soup?
No, this is a no-cook recipe that relies on blending fresh vegetables.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use one 28-ounce can of high-quality plum tomatoes, chopped, as a substitute for fresh tomatoes.
What kind of onion should I use?
A medium sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, is recommended for the best flavor.
Should the cucumber be peeled?
Yes, the recipe suggests peeling and coarsely chopping the cucumber.
What types of bell peppers are included?
The recipe calls for half of a green bell pepper and half of a red bell pepper.
Is olive oil a mandatory ingredient?
The olive oil is optional but highly recommended as it enhances the texture and adds a luxurious richness.
What type of vinegar is best for this gazpacho?
You can use either sherry wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to add acidity and depth.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
You can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of hot pepper sauce, adjusting the amount to your personal taste.
What spice gives the soup its warm notes?
Ground cumin is used to provide warm spice notes to the dish.
How do I achieve the right consistency?
Gradually stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of chilled tomato juice until the soup is thick yet pourable.
Should the soup be a smooth puree?
No, you should blend the vegetables in batches until finely chopped but not completely pureed to maintain some texture.
How long should the gazpacho be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least two hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make it up to two days in advance, as the flavors deepen and improve over time.
What are some suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the soup with sliced scallions, diced avocado, croutons, or fresh herbs.
How should I serve the gazpacho?
Serve it chilled, either ladled into bowls or poured from a wide-mouth pitcher at the table.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for three minced garlic cloves.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is a healthy, vegetable-forward dish packed with nutrients and fresh ingredients.
What seasoning is required?
Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Does the recipe include scallions?
Yes, the recipe uses two scallions in the base and additional sliced scallions for garnish.
What is the origin of gazpacho?
Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish cold soup.
Is this dish suitable for summer?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing summer dish that brings vibrant seasonal flavors into your bowl.
How do I prepare the tomatoes if using fresh ones?
Fresh tomatoes should be peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped.
Can I add avocado for texture?
Yes, adding creamy avocado as a garnish provides an elevated touch and a different texture.
Why should I stir the soup before serving?
Stirring ensures that the ingredients and seasonings are well-distributed after refrigeration.
What makes the mouthfeel of this soup luxurious?
The addition of extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness and creates a luxurious mouthfeel.
What type of kitchen appliance is needed?
A blender is required to process the vegetable mixture into the correct consistency.