Herbed Gazpacho Recipe from Spain - Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Scallions, Celery, Basil, Vinegar, Garlic, Black Pepper, Salt

Herbed Gazpacho

Herbed Gazpacho Recipe from Spain - Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Scallions, Celery, Basil, Vinegar, Garlic, Black Pepper, Salt
Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Herbed Gazpacho
Herbed Gazpacho

Herbed Gazpacho is a refreshing and flavorful cold soup that is perfect for hot summer days. This recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, making it a healthy and delicious option for a light meal or appetizer.

History

Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in the Andalusian region. It is typically made with a base of tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and bread, all blended together to create a smooth and refreshing soup. This herbed version adds an extra layer of flavor with the addition of fresh herbs and red wine vinegar.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Combine the tomatoes and their liquid with all the other ingredients.
  2. Stir well to break up the tomatoes.
  3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the gazpacho for four hours or until thoroughly chilled.
  4. Stir the soup to re-blend it before serving and ladle it over ice cubes if desired.

Variations

  • Add diced avocado or shrimp for a protein boost.
  • Use different herbs such as cilantro or parsley for a different flavor profile.
  • Blend in a roasted red pepper for a smoky twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Make sure to finely chop the vegetables to ensure a smooth texture.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more vinegar or salt if needed.

- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the herbed gazpacho chilled in individual bowls or glasses. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, simply chop and mix the ingredients together. The soup is best when chilled for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are not available.

- Substitute white wine vinegar for the red wine vinegar.

- Use green onions instead of scallions.

Make Ahead Tips

This 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 sits, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the herbed gazpacho in chilled bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this herbed gazpacho with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied rosé. It also pairs well with grilled shrimp or chicken for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving and adjust the seasonings if needed. Do not freeze as the texture may become watery.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 80

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 15g

Dietary Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 8g

Fats

Total Fat: 1g

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 20%

Vitamin C: 40%

Calcium: 6%

Iron: 8%

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. It may contain traces of soy.

Summary

This herbed gazpacho is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy option for a light meal or snack. It is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and herbs.

Summary

Herbed Gazpacho is a delicious and healthy cold soup that is perfect for summer. Packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, this recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy it as a light meal or appetizer, and customize it with your favorite herbs and seasonings.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a sunny summer day, with a gentle breeze blowing through the windows of my cozy kitchen. I was flipping through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother, searching for inspiration for a new dish to try.

As I turned the pages, a faded recipe card fell out from between the pages. It was for a Herbed Gazpacho, a refreshing and flavorful cold soup that I had never tried before. The recipe was handwritten in elegant cursive, and the paper was yellowed with age. It was clear that this was a cherished recipe, passed down through generations.

I couldn't wait to give it a try. The ingredients were simple, yet the combination of flavors sounded intriguing. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs were the base of the soup, along with a splash of vinegar and olive oil. It seemed like the perfect dish to enjoy on a hot summer day.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the vegetables and herbs, the vibrant colors and fragrant scents filled the air. It felt like a celebration of summer, a feast for the senses.

I blended the ingredients together, tasting and adjusting the seasonings until the flavors were just right. The soup was a beautiful shade of red, flecked with green specks of herbs. I couldn't wait to serve it to my family and see their reaction.

As we sat down to eat, the first spoonful of gazpacho was met with silence. Then, a chorus of "mmms" and "wows" filled the room. The soup was a hit, a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and refreshing flavors. It was a dish that brought us together, sharing stories and laughter around the table.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would make again and again for family gatherings, picnics, and lazy summer afternoons. It was a dish that had the power to transport us to sun-soaked Mediterranean villages, where the air was filled with the scent of ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs.

Over the years, I have made this Herbed Gazpacho countless times, each time with a new story to tell. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of this beloved dish. It has become a symbol of summer for me, a reminder of the simple joys of good food and good company.

I often think back to that moment in my kitchen, when I first discovered the recipe for Herbed Gazpacho. It was a serendipitous find, a hidden gem that has brought so much joy into my life. I am grateful for the memories that this dish has created, and I look forward to many more summers filled with laughter, love, and delicious food.

Categories

| Basil Recipes | Celery Recipes | Cucumber Recipes | Green Onion Recipes | Low-calorie Recipes | Red Wine Vinegar Recipes | Soup Recipes | Spanish Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

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