Spicy Summer Gazpacho
This Spicy Summer Gazpacho is a vibrant and refreshing take on the classic Spanish dish. Bursting with fresh vegetables and a kick of spice, it offers a bold flavor that will transform your perceptions of cold soups. Perfect for a quick lunch or an appetizer at your next summer gathering, this easy-to-make recipe uses spicy V8 juice to enhance the taste while keeping it light and healthy. Each bowl is an exciting blend of textures and tastes, satisfying those who love a little heat while also accommodating the casual gazpacho fans. Serve it chock-full of colorful accompaniments for a visually stunning presentation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumber
1 (peeled & seeded)
Sweet red pepper
1 (coarsely chopped)
Sweet onion
1 small (coarsely chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Spicy hot V8 juice
4 cups (divided)
Lime juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Tabasco sauce
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Cilantro
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and seeding the cucumber, then coarsely chop it along with the sweet red pepper and onion.
2
In a food processor, add half of the chopped cucumber, red pepper, and onion along with the garlic clove, 1 cup of spicy V8 juice, lime juice, Tabasco sauce, and salt.
3
Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your gazpacho.
4
Transfer the smooth mixture into a large bowl and stir in the remaining 3 cups of spicy V8 juice to combine.
5
Chill the gazpacho in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6
When ready to serve, garnish the gazpacho with the remaining chopped cucumber, red pepper, onion, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Summer Gazpacho?
Spicy Summer Gazpacho is a vibrant and refreshing take on the classic Spanish cold soup, featuring fresh vegetables and a kick of spice from V8 juice.
Is this Spicy Summer Gazpacho recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and focuses on fresh plant-based ingredients like cucumber, peppers, and onions.
How long does it take to prepare the gazpacho?
The preparation is quick as it primarily involves chopping and blending, but you should allow at least 30 minutes for it to chill in the refrigerator.
What makes this gazpacho spicy?
The spice comes from the use of spicy hot V8 juice and the addition of Tabasco sauce.
Can I adjust the heat level of this soup?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Tabasco sauce, or by substituting regular V8 juice for the spicy version.
Do I need to cook any of the ingredients?
No, this is a no-cook recipe. The vegetables are blended and served raw to maintain their fresh summer flavor.
What kind of cucumber should I use?
The recipe calls for one cucumber that has been peeled and seeded before being coarsely chopped.
Should I blend all the vegetables?
No, you only blend half of the chopped cucumber, red pepper, and onion to create a smooth base, then stir in the rest for texture.
What type of juice is used in the base?
The base of the soup uses 4 cups of spicy hot V8 juice, divided between the blending process and the final mixture.
Is there any citrus in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice for added brightness.
How much garlic is required?
One minced garlic clove is added to the food processor during the blending stage.
What type of onion works best for this gazpacho?
A small sweet onion is recommended for this recipe to provide flavor without being too overpowering.
What kind of pepper is used?
The recipe specifically calls for one sweet red pepper, coarsely chopped.
How should I serve the gazpacho?
Serve it chilled in bowls, garnished with the remaining chopped vegetables and fresh cilantro.
Can I make this gazpacho in a blender?
Yes, a food processor or a blender can be used to achieve the smooth and creamy base required for the soup.
Does this recipe contain salt?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust this to suit your personal taste.
Is cilantro required?
Cilantro is used as a garnish 'to taste,' so it can be omitted if you are not a fan of the herb.
Why do I need to seed the cucumber?
Seeding the cucumber prevents the soup from becoming too watery and removes the tougher texture of the seeds.
How long should the soup chill?
It is recommended to chill the gazpacho for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is described as a light and healthy dish full of fresh vegetables.
Is this a traditional Spanish recipe?
It is a modern variation of the classic Spanish dish, using spicy V8 as a convenient shortcut for the tomato base.
Can I add other vegetables?
While not in the original recipe, you can easily customize it by adding other garden vegetables like celery or tomatoes.
How much Tabasco sauce is used?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce, or you can add it to taste.
Is this a good dish for summer parties?
Yes, it is perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch for summer gatherings due to its refreshing nature.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup features a smooth, creamy base with chunks of fresh vegetables mixed in for a varied texture.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, gazpacho stores well in the refrigerator and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: cucumber, red pepper, onion, garlic, V8 juice, lime juice, Tabasco, salt, and cilantro.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed (vegetables, juice, spices) are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use white onion instead of sweet onion?
Yes, but a sweet onion is preferred for its milder flavor in a raw soup preparation.
Why use V8 juice instead of fresh tomatoes?
Using spicy V8 juice simplifies the process and ensures a consistent, bold flavor with built-in spice.