Tropical Shrimp Gazpacho
Enjoy a refreshing Tropical Shrimp Gazpacho, merging the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, crunchy fresh vegetables, and plump shrimp with a hint of Cuban flair. This chilled soup is perfect for hot summer days, serving as a delightful appetizer or a light meal. The addition of fresh herbs like basil and cilantro, alongside the natural sweetness of corn, elevates the dish to a new level of sophistication. Serve with warm garlic-infused baguette slices for a satisfying crunch that complements the gazpacho’s refreshing texture.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red ripe tomatoes
3 lbs (peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped)
Green pepper
1 medium (seeded and coarsely chopped)
Cucumber
1 small (peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped)
Red onion
1 medium (peeled and coarsely chopped)
Green onions
3 (sliced)
Garlic cloves
2 (peeled and coarsely chopped)
Fresh basil
3 sprigs
Fresh cilantro
3 sprigs
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup
Rice wine vinegar
1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Oregano
1 pinch
Salt
to taste
White pepper
to taste
Fresh corn kernels
1 cup
French baguette
1 (sliced into 12 pieces)
Garlic cloves
2 (whole and peeled)
Shrimp
1 lb (steamed, peeled and coarsely chopped and cooled)
Fresh basil
to taste (chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped tomatoes with the green pepper, cucumber, red onion, green onions, and chopped garlic.
2
Add the fresh basil and cilantro to the bowl, along with 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, rice wine vinegar, cayenne pepper, oregano, and a pinch of salt and white pepper.
3
Using a food processor or blender, work in batches to pulse the mixture until it reaches a chunky consistency—be careful not to over-blend.
4
Transfer the gazpacho to a large container, cover, and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
In a small saucepan, bring 1/4 cup of water to a boil. Add the fresh corn kernels and cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Once cooked, drain the corn and set it aside to cool.
6
Preheat your broiler. Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until golden brown, watching closely to prevent burning.
7
Once toasted, rub the warm bread with the whole peeled garlic cloves and drizzle with the remaining olive oil; keep the toast warm.
8
Just before serving, stir the cooked corn and coarsely chopped shrimp into the chilled gazpacho, mixing gently.
9
Ladle the gazpacho into chilled soup plates and, if desired, sprinkle with freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately with the warm garlic toast on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Shrimp Gazpacho?
Tropical Shrimp Gazpacho is a refreshing chilled soup that combines ripe tomatoes, crunchy vegetables, and plump shrimp with a hint of Cuban flair.
How long should I refrigerate the gazpacho before serving?
You should refrigerate the gazpacho for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of red ripe tomatoes that are peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped.
Do I need to blend the soup until it is smooth?
No, you should pulse the mixture in a food processor or blender until it reaches a chunky consistency, being careful not to over-blend.
How is the shrimp prepared for the gazpacho?
The shrimp should be steamed, peeled, coarsely chopped, and allowed to cool before being stirred into the soup.
What herbs are used in this gazpacho recipe?
This recipe uses fresh basil and fresh cilantro to elevate the flavor profile.
How do I prepare the garlic toast?
Broil baguette slices until golden, then rub the warm bread with whole peeled garlic cloves and drizzle with olive oil.
Is there a spicy element in this soup?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
How long does the corn need to cook?
Fresh corn kernels should be boiled in water for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender.
When should I add the shrimp and corn?
Just before serving, stir the cooked corn and chopped shrimp into the chilled gazpacho.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe specifies one teaspoon of rice wine vinegar.
What kind of bread is recommended for the side?
A French baguette sliced into 12 pieces is recommended for the garlic-infused toast.
Can I use a blender if I don't have a food processor?
Yes, a blender can be used in batches to achieve the desired chunky consistency.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped.
What is the recommended serving style?
Ladle the soup into chilled soup plates and serve immediately with warm garlic toast.
How much olive oil is required for the soup base?
The mixture requires 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, with more used later for the toast.
Does the recipe include onions?
Yes, it uses one medium red onion and three green onions.
Can I add extra herbs as a garnish?
Yes, you can sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the soup before serving if desired.
Is the garlic chopped or left whole?
Two cloves are peeled and chopped for the soup, while two other cloves are left whole to rub on the toast.
How much shrimp is needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of shrimp.
What should I do with the tomato seeds?
The tomatoes should be seeded before they are chopped and added to the mixing bowl.
Is this recipe suitable for hot summer days?
Yes, it is specifically described as a chilled soup perfect for hot summer days.
What provides the 'Tropical' aspect of the dish?
The combination of shrimp, corn, cilantro, and its Cuban-inspired flavor profile gives it a tropical feel.
Can I use frozen corn?
While the recipe calls for fresh corn kernels, frozen corn can be used if fresh is unavailable, following similar cooking times.
How many baguette slices should I prepare?
The recipe suggests slicing one French baguette into 12 pieces.
Is white pepper necessary?
The recipe uses white pepper to taste, which provides a milder heat than black pepper.
What type of green pepper should I use?
One medium green pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped, is required.
Is this a light meal or an appetizer?
It can serve as either a delightful appetizer or a light meal.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 19 ingredients in this Tropical Shrimp Gazpacho recipe.
Should the soup plates be chilled?
Yes, serving the gazpacho in chilled soup plates helps maintain its refreshing temperature.