Zesty Summer Harvest Gazpacho
Zesty Summer Harvest Gazpacho is a refreshing, vibrant blend of garden-fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, celebrated for its deep roots in Andalusian culture. This cold soup bursts with the flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and bell peppers. Perfect for a light summer meal or an appetizer, this gazpacho is not only nutritious but also layered with complexity, making the most of seasonal produce. The dish combines the rich history of Spanish cuisine with a modern twist, featuring spices that ignite your palate while retaining the essence of a traditional gazpacho. Serve chilled on a hot summer day, complemented with crusty bread or your favorite crackers for a delightful experience that transports you to the sun-drenched fields of the Mediterranean.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons
red onion
3/4 cup (finely diced)
red bell pepper
3/4 cup (finely diced)
green bell pepper
3/4 cup (finely diced)
garlic cloves
3 large (minced)
organic tomato juice
2 cups
reduced-sodium spicy vegetable juice
2 cups
reduced-sodium Clamato juice
1 cup
organic chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 cup
fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (snipped or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
fresh basil
3 tablespoons (snipped or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
fresh chives
3 tablespoons (snipped or 1 tablespoon dried chives)
kosher sea salt
to taste
freshly ground black pepper
to taste
fresh tomatoes
2 cups (seeded and diced)
English cucumber
1 (peeled, sliced thin, then diced (about 1 1/2 cups))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Summer Harvest Gazpacho?
It is a refreshing, chilled soup made from a blend of garden-fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, inspired by traditional Andalusian cuisine.
Is this gazpacho served hot or cold?
This dish is a cold soup and should be served thoroughly chilled, making it ideal for hot summer days.
What are the primary vegetables used in this recipe?
The main vegetables include fresh tomatoes, English cucumbers, red onions, and both red and green bell peppers.
What makes this gazpacho 'zesty'?
The zesty flavor comes from a combination of spicy vegetable juice, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper.
How should the English cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be peeled, sliced thin, and then diced to produce approximately 1.5 cups of pieces.
Can I make this recipe completely vegan?
To make it vegan, ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute the Clamato juice (which contains clam broth) with additional tomato or vegetable juice.
What kind of oil is recommended for this gazpacho?
The recipe calls for three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to add richness and flavor.
Do I need to seed the fresh tomatoes?
Yes, for the best texture, the tomatoes should be seeded before being diced.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, basil, or chives for every 3 tablespoons of fresh herbs.
What liquids form the base of the soup?
The base consists of organic tomato juice, spicy vegetable juice, Clamato juice, and your choice of chicken or vegetable broth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on the pre-packaged juices and broth to be certain.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
Red onion is specified because it provides a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that complements the raw vegetable mix.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe calls for three large minced garlic cloves to provide a robust aromatic profile.
What should I serve with gazpacho?
It is traditionally served with crusty bread or your favorite crackers for a delightful textural contrast.
Is this recipe suitable as an appetizer?
Yes, its refreshing and light nature makes it an excellent starter or appetizer for a multi-course meal.
What type of salt should I use?
Kosher sea salt is recommended to season the soup to your personal preference.
Does the soup have a chunky or smooth texture?
This specific recipe emphasizes diced vegetables, giving it a chunky, garden-fresh texture rather than a pureed consistency.
How many bell peppers are needed?
You will need approximately 3/4 cup of finely diced red bell pepper and 3/4 cup of finely diced green bell pepper.
Why is Clamato juice used in gazpacho?
Clamato adds a unique savory, umami depth that enhances the overall complexity of the chilled soup base.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can control the heat by choosing a milder vegetable juice or increasing the amount of fresh black pepper.
How long does it take for the flavors to meld?
While it can be eaten immediately after chilling, allowing it to sit for a few hours in the fridge helps the herbs and spices infuse better.
Is this a traditional Spanish recipe?
It is a modern twist on the traditional Andalusian gazpacho, incorporating diverse juices for added depth of flavor.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The red onion should be finely diced to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the soup without overpowering the palate.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, organic vegetable broth is a perfectly acceptable substitute and is recommended if you prefer a vegetarian dish.
What herbs give the soup its aroma?
The aromatic profile is built using fresh parsley, basil, and chives.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is highly nutritious as it is loaded with raw vegetables, antioxidants from tomatoes, and healthy fats from olive oil.
What is the best way to dice the ingredients?
Ingredients should be finely diced to a consistent size so that every spoonful contains a balanced mix of all the vegetables.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Absolutely, gazpacho is an excellent make-ahead dish as the cold storage time allows the vegetables to marinate in the juices.
What is the yield of the diced cucumbers?
One whole English cucumber typically yields about 1.5 cups when peeled and diced.
Is there any cooking involved in this recipe?
No, this is a raw, no-cook recipe that relies on the freshness of the ingredients and proper chilling.