Omani Gazpacho

Omani Gazpacho Recipe - Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Soup from Oman

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

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

History

Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish dish that has been adapted and modified in various countries around the world. Omani Gazpacho puts a unique twist on the classic recipe by incorporating local ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

1 cucumber
2 tomatoes, finely chopped
1 capsicum, seeded and chopped
1 can ripe olives, drained
0.25 cup lime juice
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup tomato juice
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 cup spring onions, sliced
1 tbsp thyme, chopped

How to prepare

Peel and cut the cucumber into small pieces, removing the seeds.
Mix the chopped cucumber, chopped tomatoes, chopped capsicum, lime juice, chicken stock, tomato juice, minced garlic, chopped spring onions, and thyme in a bowl.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 4 – 5 hours or until the next day.
Serve the salad chilled.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or crab meat for a seafood twist.
Blend the soup for a smoother texture.
Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chill the soup for at least 4-5 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- You can adjust the amount of lime juice and garlic to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs to customize the recipe to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Omani Gazpacho as a starter or light lunch with crusty bread or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute the vegetables in this recipe with your favorites, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or avocado.

Make Ahead Tips

Omani Gazpacho can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in chilled bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Omani Gazpacho with grilled fish or chicken for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 120 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Fats: 5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants.

Alergens

This recipe contains olives, which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

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

Summary

Omani Gazpacho is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for summer. With its fresh and vibrant flavors, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that washed over me when I found this recipe for Omani Gazpacho. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through a box of old cookbooks that I had inherited from my mother. As I flipped through the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out, revealing a handwritten recipe titled "Omani Gazpacho."

I had never heard of Omani Gazpacho before, but the ingredients listed intrigued me. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of spices that seemed both exotic and familiar at the same time. The recipe also called for a splash of vinegar and olive oil, which gave it a Mediterranean flair.

I knew that I had to try making Omani Gazpacho. I had always been adventurous in the kitchen, and the thought of creating a dish from a faraway land excited me. I decided to dedicate an entire day to perfecting the recipe.

I gathered all the ingredients listed on the recipe and set to work. I chopped the tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers finely, making sure to remove the seeds and membranes to ensure a smooth texture. I minced the onions and garlic, savoring the pungent aroma that filled the kitchen.

In a large bowl, I combined the vegetables with the spices and herbs, stirring them together until they were well mixed. I added the vinegar and olive oil, tasting as I went along to adjust the seasoning. The final step was to refrigerate the mixture for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

As I waited for the gazpacho to chill, I thought back to how I had come to possess this recipe in the first place. My mother had always been a lover of all things culinary, and she had passed down her passion for cooking to me. She had traveled extensively in her youth, collecting recipes from every corner of the globe.

I remembered her stories of visiting Oman, a country known for its rich history and vibrant cuisine. She had described the bustling markets filled with colorful spices and fragrant herbs, the sizzling street food stalls where she had sampled exotic dishes, and the warm hospitality of the Omani people.

One day, she had met a local woman who had invited her into her home and taught her how to make Omani Gazpacho. The woman had patiently guided my mother through the steps, sharing her family's recipe with her. My mother had been so grateful for the experience that she had written down the recipe on a scrap of paper, vowing to recreate it at home.

And now, decades later, I was following in her footsteps, honoring her memory by making Omani Gazpacho in my own kitchen. The gazpacho had chilled to perfection, and I ladled it into bowls, garnishing each one with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

I took a tentative sip, savoring the flavors that exploded on my tongue. The gazpacho was a symphony of tastes and textures – sweet and tangy, crunchy and creamy. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, a true delight for the senses.

As I savored every spoonful, I felt a sense of connection to my mother and to the woman who had shared this recipe with her. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my past, to honor the traditions and memories that have shaped me.

And as I finished the last bite of Omani Gazpacho, I knew that this recipe would become a beloved part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the rich tapestry of flavors and experiences that have woven together to create the tapestry of my life.