Chilled Spanish Tomato Soup
This refreshing and vibrant chilled Spanish tomato soup, also known as Gazpacho, is the perfect way to enjoy the rich flavors of summer vegetables. Combining ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for summer gatherings or a light dinner. Garnished with fresh vegetables and a sprinkle of toasted almonds, it’s not only nutritious but also a feast for the eyes. Serve it alongside crusty bread or as part of a tapas-style meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ripe tomatoes
2 lbs (seeded and roughly chopped)
medium onion
1 (peeled and roughly chopped)
Anaheim pepper
1 (seeded and roughly chopped)
small cucumber
1 (peeled and roughly chopped)
cloves garlic
2 (peeled)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (about)
red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (about)
toasted almonds
2 tablespoons (for garnish)
breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons (about)
salt
to taste (to season)
water
about 2 cups (to adjust consistency)
Instructions
1
Start by reserving a portion of the vegetables for garnish: set aside 1 tomato, a quarter of the onion, a small piece of the Anaheim pepper, and a quarter of the cucumber. Chop these reserved vegetables finely and set them aside in a bowl.
2
Prepare the main ingredients by washing and roughly chopping the remaining ripe tomatoes, onion, Anaheim pepper, and cucumber.
3
In a food processor, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, Anaheim pepper, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, toasted almonds, breadcrumbs, salt, and water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt or vinegar according to your preference.
5
Transfer the blended soup to a large bowl or an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to chill.
6
When ready to serve, give the soup a good stir, and ladle it into bowls. Garnish with the reserved chopped vegetables and sprinkle with additional toasted almonds or croutons if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Spanish Tomato Soup?
Commonly known as Gazpacho, this is a refreshing, vibrant soup made from raw, blended summer vegetables, served cold.
How long should I refrigerate the soup before serving?
The soup should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and ensure it is properly chilled.
Is this Gazpacho recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it consists entirely of vegetables, breadcrumbs, oil, vinegar, and nuts.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
While the recipe tags list it as gluten-free, the ingredients include breadcrumbs. To ensure it is gluten-free, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What are the main vegetables used in this soup?
The primary vegetables are ripe tomatoes, a medium onion, an Anaheim pepper, and a small cucumber.
How many tomatoes are needed for this recipe?
You will need approximately 2 lbs of ripe tomatoes, which should be seeded and roughly chopped.
What type of pepper is best for this Spanish soup?
This specific recipe calls for one Anaheim pepper, seeded and roughly chopped.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
Yes, the recipe recommends peeling and roughly chopping the cucumber before blending.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifies using 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to provide the traditional tangy flavor.
What is the purpose of adding breadcrumbs to the soup?
Breadcrumbs are used to help thicken the soup and give it a smoother, creamier consistency when blended.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal for making ahead of time as the flavor improves after several hours in the refrigerator.
How do I garnish the Chilled Spanish Tomato Soup?
Garnish with finely chopped reserved tomatoes, onion, pepper, and cucumber, along with a sprinkle of toasted almonds.
How much garlic is included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of peeled garlic.
What equipment do I need to prepare this soup?
You will need a food processor to blend the ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.
How can I adjust the consistency of the soup?
You can use about 2 cups of water to adjust the consistency to your personal preference.
Is Gazpacho served hot or cold?
Gazpacho is a chilled soup and should always be served cold.
What should I serve alongside this soup?
It is excellent served with crusty bread or as part of a tapas-style meal.
Do I use all the vegetables for the base of the soup?
No, you should reserve a small portion of the tomato, onion, pepper, and cucumber to chop finely for garnish.
Is there oil in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses about 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Are the almonds blended into the soup?
The recipe mentions blending toasted almonds into the base and also using them as a garnish for extra crunch.
What type of cuisine is this?
This is a classic example of Spanish cuisine, specifically from the Andalusia region.
Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?
Yes, a high-speed blender can also be used to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is very nutritious as it is packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and nuts.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be seeded and roughly chopped before being added to the food processor.
What is the flavor profile of this soup?
It is refreshing and vibrant, with a balance of acidity from the vinegar and sweetness from the ripe tomatoes.
How much salt should I add?
Salt should be added 'to taste' to properly season the fresh vegetables.
Can I add croutons to the soup?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding croutons as an optional garnish when serving.
Is Anaheim pepper spicy?
Anaheim peppers are generally mild, providing a subtle flavor without intense heat.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, you can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to reserve a small portion of the vegetables for garnish and chop them finely.