Teresa's Recipes
Classic Gazpacho
Dive into a bowl of this vibrant and refreshing classic Gazpacho, a chilled Spanish soup bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sweet bell peppers. Originating from the sunny Andalusian region of Spain, Gazpacho was traditionally made by farmers using stale bread and fresh garden vegetables, making it a perfect summer dish that is both hydrating and satisfying. Serve it as an appetizer or a light meal on a hot day, and enjoy the balance of tangy red wine vinegar and aromatic basil that elevates this dish to a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish) Fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste) Cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground) Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (or to taste) Salt
- 3 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup, plus more for drizzling Olive oil
- 1 slice (preferably stale, whole grain or sourdough) Bread
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped Red onion
- 1, chopped Red bell pepper
- 1, peeled and chopped Cucumber
- 6 medium, ripe, chopped Tomatoes
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- Begin by roughly chopping the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped vegetables, stale bread, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Blend the mixture until smooth and well combined. For a chunkier texture, pulse a few times instead of blending completely.
- Taste the gazpacho and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or vinegar to suit your palate.
- Transfer the gazpacho to a large bowl or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the gazpacho a good stir and check the seasoning again.
- Serve the gazpacho chilled in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
Tips
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a splash of hot sauce.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what's in season or what you have on hand, such as adding jalapeños for heat or radishes for an extra crunch.
- This gazpacho pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or grilled seafood.