Chilled Tomato Vodka Delight
This vibrant Chilled Tomato Vodka Delight is the perfect summer refreshment for those who adore the bold flavors of a classic Bloody Mary. Bursting with the sweetness of ripe Roma tomatoes, the crispness of fresh vegetables, and a hint of heat from jalapeño, this soup offers a unique twist on traditional gazpacho. Infused with the warmth of vodka and a zesty splash of lemon, it’s an ideal starter or light meal that can be prepared ahead of time. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as the flavors meld beautifully when chilled. Enjoy this incredibly satisfying dish on warm days, or as a flavorful appetizer for any gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Roma tomatoes
4-5 (cored and peeled)
celery ribs
2 (diced)
green onions
3 (diced)
jalapeno pepper
1/2 (seeded and diced)
vodka
1/2 cup
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
tomato juice
1 cup
horseradish
1 tablespoon (optional)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
fresh chives
1/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the cores from the Roma tomatoes. Carefully drop them into a pot of boiling water for approximately 1 minute until the skins start to wrinkle.
2
Remove the tomatoes from the boiling water and place them in an ice bath or under cold running water to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the skins, chop the tomatoes, and set aside.
3
Finely dice the celery ribs, green onions, and jalapeño pepper, ensuring to remove the seeds from the jalapeño to control the spice level.
4
In a blender, combine the chopped tomatoes, diced celery, green onions, jalapeño pepper, vodka, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
5
Next, pour in the tomato juice and add the horseradish if using. Blend again until well combined and smooth. Taste the mixture, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
6
Transfer the blended soup to a bowl or airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
7
Once chilled, give the soup a good stir before serving. Serve in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped chives for an aromatic finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Tomato Vodka Delight?
It is a vibrant, chilled tomato-based soup inspired by the flavors of a classic Bloody Mary and traditional gazpacho, featuring fresh vegetables, a hint of jalapeño, and a splash of vodka.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, seasonings, and vodka.
What type of tomatoes are best for this soup?
The recipe specifically calls for 4-5 Roma tomatoes because of their sweetness and firm texture.
How do I easily peel the Roma tomatoes?
Cored tomatoes should be boiled for about 1 minute until the skins wrinkle, then immediately placed in an ice bath to cool before peeling.
Can I make this soup without alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the vodka if you prefer a non-alcoholic version; the soup will still be a delicious, refreshing vegetable gazpacho.
How much vodka is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of vodka to provide a subtle warmth to the chilled soup.
How long should the soup be chilled before serving?
The soup should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop and meld together.
Is the jalapeño pepper very spicy?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a jalapeño. To control the heat level, ensure you remove the seeds before dicing.
What is the purpose of the tomato juice in this recipe?
One cup of tomato juice is added to the blender to help achieve the desired liquid consistency and enhance the tomato base.
Is horseradish required for this recipe?
Horseradish is optional. You can add 1 tablespoon if you want an extra spicy kick similar to a Bloody Mary.
What should I use to garnish the soup?
The recipe suggests garnishing with 1/4 cup of freshly chopped chives for an aromatic finish.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, this is an ideal make-ahead dish as the flavors improve after several hours of chilling.
How many celery ribs are needed?
You will need 2 celery ribs, finely diced, to add crispness to the blend.
What kind of onions are used in this dish?
The recipe uses 3 diced green onions for a mild, fresh onion flavor.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender is necessary to combine the tomatoes, vegetables, and liquids into a smooth consistency.
Should I stir the soup after it has been sitting in the fridge?
Yes, it is recommended to give the soup a good stir right before serving to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
What is the role of lemon juice in the soup?
Two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice provide a zesty splash that brightens the overall flavor profile.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This is a chilled soup, meant to be served cold as a refreshing starter or light meal.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor can be used, though you may need to process it longer to reach a very smooth texture.
What type of pepper is recommended for seasoning?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor impact.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including the optional horseradish and seasonings.
What category of food does this fall into?
It falls into the categories of soup, chilled soup, and appetizers.
Is this recipe suitable for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as a perfect summer refreshment for warm days.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover soup should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Does this soup contain any fat?
Based on the ingredients list, this soup is naturally very low in fat as it contains no oils or dairy.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used as a substitute.
How do I core a tomato?
Use a small paring knife to cut a circle around the stem at the top of the tomato and pull the core out.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
The soup has a smooth texture once blended, though the finely diced vegetables add subtle body.
Can I add other vegetables?
While this recipe focuses on tomatoes and celery, you could customize it with cucumber or bell peppers for a more traditional gazpacho feel.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Generally yes, provided that the vodka and tomato juice used are certified gluten-free.