Gazpacho Caribeño

Gazpacho Caribeño Recipe - Authentic Puerto Rican Cold Soup

Region / culture: Puerto Rico | Preparation time: 2 hours | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Gazpacho Caribeño is a refreshing and flavorful cold soup that originates from the Caribbean. This dish is perfect for hot summer days when you want something light and refreshing to eat.

History

Gazpacho Caribeño is a variation of the traditional Spanish gazpacho, which is a cold soup made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, and garlic. The Caribbean version adds a tropical twist with the addition of lime juice, clam juice, and avocado.

Ingredients

3 large tomatoes (2 chopped, 1 diced)
1 cucumber (peeled and chopped)
1 onion (chopped)
1 medium green pepper
1 chile (mild to hot, optional)
2 cloves of garlic (minced)
2.5 cups of tomato juice
1 cup of clam juice (optional)
0.25 cup of lime juice
0.5 tsp of salt
3 tsp of vinegar
1 tsp of olive oil
1 tsp of paprika
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
0.25 tsp of ground cumin
a dash of worcestershire sauce (optional)
a few dashes of tabasco
2 to 3 leaves of cilantro
1 small avocado (diced)

How to prepare

Place tomatoes in a large bowl and add the onion, garlic, cucumber, pepper, and chile.
Pour the lime juice and vinegar, mix well, and let it stand for 2 hours.
Pour the tomato juice over the mixture and add the clam juice, olive oil, paprika, salt, black pepper, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco.
Transfer the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. Chill for 2 hours. If the consistency is too thick, add more tomato juice.
Serve cold with diced avocado and cilantro as a garnish on top.

Variations

Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweeter flavor.
Substitute the clam juice with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Top with grilled shrimp or crab meat for a seafood twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the mixture sit for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the amount of chile and Tabasco to suit your spice preference.

- For a smoother consistency, strain the soup before chilling.

- Garnish with extra diced avocado and cilantro for added freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gazpacho Caribeño as a starter or a light lunch. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Use a blender to achieve a smooth consistency.

- Chill the soup for at least 2 hours before serving for the best flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use red or yellow bell peppers instead of green for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute lemon juice for lime juice if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Gazpacho Caribeño can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just add the avocado and cilantro right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Gazpacho Caribeño in chilled bowls for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Gazpacho Caribeño with a crisp white wine or a light beer. Serve with grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Gazpacho Caribeño in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving. Do not freeze as the texture may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 150 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 22g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (clam juice) and tree nuts (avocado).

Summary

Gazpacho Caribeño is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal.

Summary

Gazpacho Caribeño is a delicious and refreshing cold soup that is perfect for summer. With its tropical flavors and nutrient-rich ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria in the Caribbean. She invited me over for lunch and served me a bowl of the most refreshing and delicious gazpacho I had ever tasted. I had never tried anything like it before - it was a tropical twist on the traditional Spanish cold soup.

Maria explained to me that this was her family's recipe for Gazpacho Caribeño, a dish that had been passed down for generations. She told me how her grandmother used to make it for her when she was a child, using fresh ingredients from their garden and adding a touch of Caribbean flair with pineapple and mango.

I was so impressed by the flavors and textures in the gazpacho that I begged Maria to teach me how to make it. She graciously agreed and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping, blending, and tasting as we worked on perfecting the recipe.

As we cooked together, Maria shared stories of her family and how they had come to develop this unique dish. She told me about her grandfather, who was a fisherman and would bring home the freshest seafood to add to the gazpacho. She talked about her mother, who was a talented cook and taught her everything she knew about creating delicious meals.

I was captivated by her stories and the history behind the recipe. It made me realize how food can be so much more than just sustenance - it can be a way to connect with our past, our culture, and our loved ones.

After hours of preparation, the Gazpacho Caribeño was finally ready. We sat down at the table and I took my first spoonful. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the sweetness of the pineapple, the tanginess of the tomatoes, the creaminess of the avocado. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that I had never experienced before.

I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I made sure to write down every step and ingredient, so that I could recreate it for my family and friends back home. I wanted to share the magic of Gazpacho Caribeño with everyone I knew.

Since that day, I have made this dish countless times, each time evoking memories of that sunny afternoon in Maria's kitchen. I have added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different fruits and spices to make it my own.

But no matter how many variations I try, the original Gazpacho Caribeño will always hold a special place in my heart. It reminds me of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to celebrate life's simple pleasures.

So the next time you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish to brighten your day, why not give Gazpacho Caribeño a try? Who knows, it may just become a beloved recipe in your family for generations to come.