Authentic Tomato Gazpacho Recipe

A refreshing Cold Spanish Soup with pureed vegetables, perfect for hot summer days.

Gazpacho is a cold soup typically made with pureed fresh vegetables, a staple of Spanish cuisine, especially in the Andalusian region. This dish is renowned for its refreshing and revitalizing qualities during warm summer months. The origins of gazpacho are humble, thought to have been created by field laborers seeking a nutritious and cooling meal to sustain them through a hard day’s work.

Today, gazpacho has evolved, incorporating various ingredients while retaining its traditional roots. Authentic tomato gazpacho is a classic variant that truly captures the essence of this beloved dish. Tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and olive oil come together in a harmonious blend to offer a delicately balanced flavor profile. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare this iconic dish, ensuring you capture every authentic flavor.

Ingredients

• 6 ripe tomatoes (approximately 1 kg), chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cups cold water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of stale bread (optional, for thickening)
• Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

Calories: ~150 calories

Instructions

1. Prepare Tomatoes: Start by washing the tomatoes thoroughly. Remove the cores and any blemishes before chopping into quarters. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can peel the tomatoes using the blanching method: score a small 'X' on the bottom of each tomato, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skins should peel off easily.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Peel and chop the cucumber. Seed and chop both the green and red bell peppers. Finely chop the red onion and mince the garlic. Ensuring uniform size for all vegetables will help the blending process later on.
3. Blend Base Ingredients: In a large blender or food processor, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of the cold water if necessary to facilitate blending. Depending on the size of your blender, you may need to do this in batches.
4. Add Seasonings: Once the vegetables are smoothly blended, add the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend again until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. Some additional vinegar can be added for more acidity, or a touch more salt per your preference.
5. Adjust Texture: To achieve the desired consistency, you can add the remaining cold water gradually, blending as you go. If a thicker texture is preferred, add slices of stale bread, one at a time, allowing them to soak and blend into the soup until achieving your preferred thickness. Remember, traditional gazpacho is typically a bit thicker than a drinkable soup.
6. Chill the Soup: Transfer the blended soup into a large bowl or pitcher. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the refreshing quality of the soup.
7. Serve: Once the gazpacho is well-chilled, stir it thoroughly before serving. Pour into bowls or tall glasses. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and parsley for a burst of color and added flavor. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top for an authentic presentation.

Enjoy your authentic tomato gazpacho! This classic Spanish dish is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an excellent way to boost your intake of fresh vegetables. Here are a few tips and tricks to perfect your gazpacho:

• Use the ripest tomatoes you can find, as they are the star of the dish.
• Chilling for longer periods can develop deeper flavors—consider making it a day ahead.
• Experiment with garnishes—chopped olives, croutons, or a dash of hot sauce can add exciting new dimensions.

Gazpacho is highly customizable, so feel free to adjust ingredients and proportions to suit your taste. ¡Buen provecho!