Gutsy Red Pepper Gazpacho
Gutsy Red Pepper Gazpacho Recipe - A Taste of Spain
Introduction
Gutsy Red Pepper Gazpacho is a flavorful and refreshing soup that is perfect for a hot summer day. This chilled soup is packed with the bold flavors of red bell peppers, jalapeño, garlic, and tomatoes, making it a delicious and satisfying dish.
History
Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish cold soup that originated in the Andalusian region of Spain. It is typically made with a base of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, garlic, and bread. Over the years, many variations of gazpacho have been created, including this Gutsy Red Pepper Gazpacho recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers, seeded and coarsely chopped
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
- 2 slices white bread, crust removed and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 (28 oz (794 g)) can stewed diced tomatoes
- 0.5 cup water
- 2 tbsp sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- coarse salt
- 0.5 red onion, finely chopped
- Blue corn tortilla chips
How to prepare
- Place the peppers in a food processor and puree them.
- Add sugar, jalapeño, bread, garlic, tomato sauce, tomatoes, and process until smooth.
- If necessary, add 0.5 cup of water to thin the soup.
- Add vinegar and oil, pulse-process, and season the soup with salt to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill.
- Garnish each cup of soup with chopped red onion and provide blue corn chips for dipping at the table.
- If the soup is too spicy, add some sour cream or V-8 juice.
Variations
- Add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Mix in diced avocado or cucumber for added texture.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
For a smoother soup, strain the pureed mixture through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to suit your spice preference.
- To enhance the flavor, roast the red bell peppers before pureeing them.
- Serve the soup in chilled bowls for an extra refreshing touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Gutsy Red Pepper Gazpacho with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for added flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Use a food processor or blender to puree the ingredients for a smooth consistency.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt, pepper, and vinegar.
- Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use yellow or orange bell peppers instead of red for a different flavor profile.
- Substitute gluten-free bread for the white bread to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Replace the jalapeño pepper with a milder chili pepper, such as a poblano, for a less spicy version.
Make Ahead Tips
The Gutsy Red Pepper Gazpacho can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it chills, making it even more delicious.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the Gutsy Red Pepper Gazpacho in individual bowls or cups for a stylish presentation. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of chopped red onion, and a few blue tortilla chips for added color and texture.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this Gutsy Red Pepper Gazpacho with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for a refreshing and satisfying meal. It also pairs well with a light beer or sparkling water.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Gutsy Red Pepper Gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pour the soup into a saucepan and heat gently over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 200
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 9g
Fats
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
Protein: 3g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 45%
Vitamin C: 160%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 10%
Alergens
Contains: Wheat
Summary
This Gutsy Red Pepper Gazpacho is a low-calorie, nutrient-rich soup that is high in vitamin C and fiber. It is a healthy and delicious option for a light meal or appetizer.
Summary
Gutsy Red Pepper Gazpacho is a vibrant and flavorful soup that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. Packed with the bold flavors of red bell peppers, jalapeño, and tomatoes, this chilled soup is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal that is perfect for a hot summer day.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, much like today, with the sun shining brightly in the sky. I was strolling through the bustling farmer's market, perusing the colorful array of fruits and vegetables on display. As I wandered from stall to stall, taking in the sights and smells of the vibrant market, my eyes were drawn to a small stand tucked away in the corner.
At this stand, a kindly old woman was selling an assortment of fresh herbs, spices, and peppers. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of garlic and onions, and I couldn't resist stopping to chat with her. As we talked, she told me stories of her travels around the world, and how she had learned to cook from the many different cultures she had encountered.
One recipe in particular caught my attention - a bold and flavorful red pepper gazpacho that she had picked up during her time in Spain. She described it as a dish that was both spicy and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days. Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe, and she graciously wrote it down for me on a scrap of paper.
As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation. The combination of ripe red peppers, tangy tomatoes, and zesty spices sounded absolutely delicious. I thanked the old woman profusely and hurried home to try out the recipe for myself.
The process of making the gutsy red pepper gazpacho was a labor of love. I carefully roasted the peppers over an open flame until they were charred and blistered, then peeled off the skins to reveal their sweet and smoky flesh. I diced up ripe tomatoes and cucumbers, and minced garlic and onions to add depth and complexity to the dish.
As I blended all the ingredients together in a food processor, the vibrant red color of the gazpacho emerged, tinged with flecks of green and yellow. The aroma that wafted up from the bowl was intoxicating, a heady mix of garlic, cumin, and cilantro. I couldn't resist dipping a spoon into the gazpacho and taking a taste.
The flavor exploded on my tongue - bold and spicy, with a hint of sweetness from the peppers and tomatoes. The crunch of the cucumbers and onions added a satisfying texture to the dish, while the herbs and spices danced on my palate. It was a symphony of flavors, each one complementing the others perfectly.
I knew then and there that this gutsy red pepper gazpacho would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, and it never failed to impress. People would ask me for the recipe, and I would proudly hand it over, knowing that it had been passed down to me from the old woman at the farmer's market.
Years passed, and I continued to make the gutsy red pepper gazpacho, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. Sometimes I would add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat, or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. But no matter how I changed it, the essence of the dish remained the same - bold, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
And so, every time I make this gutsy red pepper gazpacho, I am reminded of that fateful day at the farmer's market, and the kind old woman who shared her recipe with me. I am grateful for her generosity and her culinary wisdom, and I will always cherish the memory of how I came to discover this truly extraordinary dish.