Gazpacho recipe, the famous Spanish cold tomato soup, is the perfect way to quench thirst and refresh on hot days. Made with fresh vegetables, this dish is simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious. Originating in sunny Andalusia, gazpacho has conquered kitchens worldwide.
PREPARING GAZPACHO SOUP
Ingredients for Gazpacho (4 servings):
- Tomatoes – 1 kg (ripe and meaty)
- Cucumbers – 1–2 pcs
- Sweet red bell pepper – 1 pc
- Red onion – 1 small head
- Garlic – 1 clove
- White bread (slightly dried) – 1–2 slices (without crust)
- Olive oil (extra virgin) – 3–4 tbsp
- Wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) – 1–2 tbsp
- Salt and ground black pepper – to taste
- Cold water – 100–150 ml (optional)
- Ice – for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Chop the tomatoes into large pieces. If desired, peel the tomatoes. To do this easily, score a small cross on each tomato, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, and transfer to ice water. The skin will peel off effortlessly. Peel the cucumbers and chop.
- Slice the bell pepper, remove the seeds and core, and chop into pieces.
- Peel and finely chop the onion and cucumber.
- Chop the tomatoes into large pieces. If desired, peel the tomatoes. To do this easily, score a small cross on each tomato, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, and transfer to ice water. The skin will peel off effortlessly. Peel the cucumbers and chop.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Take slices of dried white bread (preferably without crust), drizzle with a little water or vinegar to soften, and let sit for 1–2 minutes.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, onion, garlic. Add salt, pepper, and wine vinegar.
- Drizzle in olive oil and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Blend the Gazpacho:
- Transfer the mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. Add the soaked bread and continue blending. If the soup seems too thick, add a little cold water and blend again.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. Add the soaked bread and continue blending. If the soup seems too thick, add a little cold water and blend again.
- Chill:
- Pour the gazpacho into a container and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to allow the soup to cool and flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Pour the gazpacho into bowls or glasses. If desired, add a few ice cubes for extra freshness. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a basil leaf, or finely chopped vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers).
- Pour the gazpacho into bowls or glasses. If desired, add a few ice cubes for extra freshness. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a basil leaf, or finely chopped vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers).
Additional Tips:
- Use Seasonal Vegetables: For the best flavor, select ripe, seasonal produce.
- Enhance the Presentation: Serve with toasted bread or breadsticks for added texture.
- Versatile Serving: Gazpacho can also be served in small glasses as an appetizer.
GAZPACHO SOUP: TIPS AND INTERESTING FACTS
Gazpacho Recipe is the ultimate summer dish, perfectly suited for hot weather. This cold soup made from fresh vegetables is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy due to its high content of vitamins and antioxidants. By learning the secrets of preparing gazpacho and some fun facts, you can make this soup with added inspiration.
Useful Tips for Making Gazpacho
- Choose the Right Ingredients
- The key to perfect gazpacho is fresh, ripe vegetables. Tomatoes should be sweet, juicy, and vibrant in color. Use bell peppers, cucumbers, and onions for depth and aroma.
- Incorporate Bread
- The classic gazpacho recipe includes bread, which adds thickness and richness. Day-old baguette or crustless white bread works best. Soak the bread in water before adding it to the soup.
- Quality Olive Oil and Vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil and a touch of wine vinegar will give gazpacho its velvety texture and balanced flavor.
- Achieve the Right Texture
- Gazpacho can be smooth or slightly chunky. Use a blender for a uniform consistency or leave small pieces of vegetables for texture.
- Serve Chilled
- Gazpacho should always be served cold. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours after preparation to let the flavors meld and the soup cool down.
- Experiment with Additions
- Add basil, cilantro, or mint for freshness. A clove of garlic can add a spicy kick, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can provide a touch of heat.
Nutritional Value of Classic Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a light and refreshing dish, perfect for hot weather. Made from fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, with the addition of olive oil and spices, it is simple to prepare, low in calories, and packed with nutrients.
Caloric Content of Classic Gazpacho Recipe (per 100 g):
Calories: 40–60 kcal
Protein: 1–2 g
Fat: 2–4 g
Carbohydrates: 5–7 g
What Affects the Calorie Content of Gazpacho?
- Tomatoes
- Tomatoes are the base of gazpacho and provide its rich flavor and vibrant color. They are low in calories but packed with vitamins A and C.
- Olive Oil
- Olive oil adds healthy fats and enhances the soup’s taste. However, the amount of oil directly impacts the calorie count. For a lighter version, use less oil.
- Cucumbers and Bell Peppers
- These vegetables add freshness and texture without significantly affecting the calorie content.
- Bread
- Traditional gazpacho recipes use a small piece of bread for thickening. Reducing or omitting the bread can lower the calorie count.
- Additions
- Extras like croutons, cheese, or avocado can greatly increase the soup’s calorie content.
How to Reduce the Calorie Content of Gazpacho Recipe
- Skip the Bread:
- For a lighter version, omit the bread or use whole-grain bread.
- Limit the Oil:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil to just a touch for flavor.
- Add More Vegetables:
- Increase the ratio of low-calorie ingredients like cucumbers and peppers.
- Avoid Toppings:
- Skip croutons, cheese, and other calorie-rich toppings.
Health Benefits of Gazpacho
Gazpacho is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, which improve digestion and strengthen the immune system. Its low calorie count makes it an ideal choice for those watching their weight or following a healthy diet.
Fun Facts About Gazpacho
- Ancient Roots:
- Gazpacho dates back to ancient times. Initially made in Ancient Rome with bread, olive oil, and garlic, the modern recipe evolved in Spain after the introduction of tomatoes in the 16th century.
- National Dish:
- Cold gazpacho soup is a national dish of Andalusia, a southern region of Spain. Its popularity has spread worldwide, making gazpacho a global favorite.
- Nutritional Richness:
- Gazpacho is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and lycopene—a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes.
- Variations of Gazpacho:
- Classic gazpacho is made with tomatoes, but many variations exist. White gazpacho (ajo blanco) is made with almonds and garlic, while green gazpacho incorporates cucumbers and avocados.
- Modern Experiments:
- Some chefs add watermelon, strawberries, or melons to gazpacho for unique flavor combinations, making it versatile and suitable for any menu.
- A Symbol of Summer:
- Gazpacho is synonymous with summer and beach vacations. In Spain, it’s often served on café terraces to provide relief on hot days.
Conclusion
Gazpacho is not just a refreshing dish but also a part of Spain’s cultural heritage. By following simple tips, you can prepare the perfect cold gazpacho soup to enhance your table and delight your guests. Knowing fun facts about gazpacho will add a unique touch to your meal, allowing you to enjoy not only the taste but also the story of this remarkable dish.
Classic cold tomato gazpacho soup is the perfect blend of lightness and bold flavors, making it a stunning addition to your table!
