Mary's Tropical Gazpacho

Mary's Tropical Gazpacho Recipe from Caribbean, France, and Italy | Ingredients: Garlic, Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Red Onions, Tomatoes, Pineapple, Red Wine Vinegar, Cayenne, Cumin, French Bread, Tomato Juice

Region / culture: Caribbean, France, Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mary's Tropical Gazpacho is a refreshing and flavorful soup that is perfect for a hot summer day. This chilled soup is packed with fresh vegetables and a hint of sweetness from pineapple juice, making it a unique twist on the classic gazpacho recipe.

History

Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish cold soup that originated in the Andalusian region. 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 tropical version by Mary.

Ingredients

4 cloves of garlic, minced
1.5 cups of peeled, seeded, and diced cucumbers
1.5 cups of diced red bell peppers
0.5 cup of diced red onions
1 cup of diced tomatoes
1 cup of canned unsweetened pineapple chunks (in juice)
2 tbsp of red wine vinegar
1 pinch of cayenne
1 tsp of ground cumin
1.5 cups of french bread or italian bread (torn into chunks, optional)
3 cups of tomato juice
salt and black pepper

How to prepare

In a food processor, combine the garlic, 0.5 diced cucumber, 0.5 diced bell peppers, red onions, 0.5 tomatoes, pineapple and its juice, vinegar, Cayenne, cumin, bread chunks (if available), tomato juice, and puree until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl, then stir in the remaining diced cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until cold.

Variations

Add diced avocado or shrimp for a protein boost.
Use different colored bell peppers for a more vibrant presentation.
Blend in some fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

- For a smoother texture, strain the soup before serving.

- Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mary's Tropical Gazpacho chilled in a bowl or glass, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. It can be enjoyed as a light appetizer or a refreshing snack on a hot day.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious gazpacho is to blend the ingredients until smooth, then stir in the diced vegetables for texture. Refrigerate the soup for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Italian bread, you can use any crusty bread or even croutons as a substitute. You can also use vegetable broth instead of tomato juice for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Mary's Tropical 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 gazpacho in individual bowls or glasses, garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy finish.

Pairing Recommendations

This gazpacho pairs well with grilled shrimp, chicken skewers, or a simple green salad. It also goes well with a glass of chilled white wine or a fruity sangria.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover gazpacho can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving, as the ingredients may separate. Do not freeze as the texture may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of this gazpacho contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mary's Tropical Gazpacho contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This recipe is low in fat, with only 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

There are 3 grams of protein in each serving of this gazpacho.

Vitamins and minerals

Mary's Tropical Gazpacho is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber from the vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread, so it may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, Mary's Tropical Gazpacho is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in fat and calories, but high in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Mary's Tropical Gazpacho is a delicious and healthy soup that is perfect for a light summer meal. Packed with fresh vegetables and a hint of sweetness, this chilled soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the refreshing flavors of this unique twist on the classic gazpacho recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a hot summer day, much like today, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her home in the tropics. Mary was always known for her delicious and unique recipes, so I was eager to learn something new from her.

As soon as I arrived at Mary's house, I could smell the enticing aroma of fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes wafting through the air. Mary greeted me with a warm hug and a twinkle in her eye, as if she was about to share a secret with me. She led me to her kitchen, which was filled with vibrant colors and exotic fruits I had never seen before.

Mary wasted no time in getting to work. She pulled out a large bowl and began chopping a variety of fruits and vegetables with such precision and grace that I knew she was a master in the kitchen. As she worked, she explained to me that she was making a dish called Tropical Gazpacho, a refreshing and flavorful soup that was perfect for a hot summer day.

I watched intently as Mary added each ingredient to the bowl – ripe tomatoes, juicy mangoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs. She then poured in a mixture of tangy lime juice and spicy jalapeños, giving the soup a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Finally, she topped it off with a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

As Mary stirred the ingredients together, the colors and aromas mingled together in a beautiful symphony of flavors. I could hardly wait to try a spoonful of this tantalizing dish. Mary smiled and handed me a bowl, urging me to taste her creation.

I took a sip of the Tropical Gazpacho and was immediately transported to a tropical paradise. The combination of sweet fruits, tangy lime, and spicy jalapeño danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving more. I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so incredibly delicious.

Mary watched me with a knowing smile, pleased with my reaction to her recipe. She then shared the story of how she came to create this dish. She explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through generations in their family.

Her grandmother had grown up in the tropics, where fresh fruits and vegetables were abundant. She had created the recipe for Tropical Gazpacho as a way to cool off on hot summer days and make use of the bountiful produce around her. Mary had adapted the recipe over the years, adding her own twist to make it uniquely hers.

I was in awe of the story behind this delicious dish. It was a testament to the power of family recipes and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. I knew that I had to learn how to make Mary's Tropical Gazpacho for myself so that I could share it with my own family and friends.

Mary graciously agreed to teach me her recipe, guiding me through each step with patience and encouragement. As I chopped, stirred, and tasted my way through the process, I felt a deep connection to Mary and her family history. I knew that this recipe would become a beloved favorite in my own kitchen.

As I sit here now, savoring a bowl of Mary's Tropical Gazpacho on a hot summer day, I am filled with gratitude for the memories and traditions that food can bring. This recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the day I learned to make it from my dear friend Mary in the tropics. And every time I take a bite, I am transported back to that moment, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and flavors of a tropical paradise.