Chilled Tomato Gazpacho (Printer-friendly)
A refreshing Spanish cold soup packed with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers. Perfect for summer days.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 ¾ pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
02 - 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
03 - 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
04 - 1 small red onion, peeled and chopped
05 - 2 garlic cloves, peeled
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, roughly chopped
→ Liquids & Oils
07 - 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
09 - 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold water
→ Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
11 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Optional Garnishes
12 - Diced cucumber
13 - Diced red bell pepper
14 - Chopped fresh herbs
15 - Croutons (omit for gluten-free)
16 - Drizzle of olive oil
# Directions:
01 - Combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, onion, garlic, and parsley or cilantro in a blender or food processor. Blend until mostly smooth.
02 - Pour in the olive oil, vinegar, cold water, salt, and pepper. Blend again until thoroughly combined.
03 - Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Add an extra splash of vinegar for brightness or more water for a thinner consistency.
04 - Pass the soup through a fine-mesh sieve for a silkier texture. This step is optional depending on your preference.
05 - Transfer the gazpacho to a covered container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until well chilled.
06 - Stir before serving. Pour into bowls and top with your choice of diced cucumber, bell pepper, fresh herbs, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This soup practically makes itself while you stand there drinking a glass of something cold.
- It captures everything good about summer produce in a single bowl without a single minute of cooking.
02 -
- Underripe tomatoes will produce a soup that tastes flat and dull no matter how much salt or vinegar you add later.
- Cold dulls flavor dramatically, so always overseason slightly before chilling and taste again before serving.
03 -
- Roasting the garlic before blending removes its sharp bite and adds a mellow sweetness that surprises everyone.
- A pinch of smoked paprika stirred in just before serving gives a subtle depth that makes people ask what your secret is.