Rice Gazpacho

Vegetarian Rice Gazpacho Recipe | Tomato, Cucumber, Onion, Garlic, Rice

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Rice Gazpacho is a refreshing and flavorful cold soup that is perfect for hot summer days. This recipe combines the classic flavors of gazpacho with the addition of cooked rice for a unique twist.

History

Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish cold soup that is typically made with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, garlic, and bread. The addition of rice to gazpacho is a modern twist that adds a hearty and satisfying element to the dish.

Ingredients

1 x 46 oz (1.30 kg) can of tomato juice
2 green peppers, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 minced garlic clove
1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of ground black pepper
0.25 tsp of hot pepper sauce
2 cups of cooked rice

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine tomato juice, green pepper, cucumber, tomato, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and pepper sauce; chill in the refrigerator.
Just before serving, stir in the rice.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Use different colored peppers for a more visually appealing dish.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- You can adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rice Gazpacho as a light and refreshing appetizer or as a main dish for a summer meal. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.

Cooking Techniques

Rice Gazpacho is a no-cook recipe that simply requires chopping and mixing the ingredients together. The key is to allow the soup to chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to substitute any of the vegetables in this recipe with your favorites. You can also use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Rice Gazpacho can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply stir in the rice just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Rice Gazpacho in chilled bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a slice of cucumber.

Pairing Recommendations

Rice Gazpacho pairs well with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or grilled seafood for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Rice Gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Rice Gazpacho contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Rice Gazpacho contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Rice Gazpacho contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Rice Gazpacho contains approximately 2 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Rice Gazpacho is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, it does contain garlic and onion, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Rice Gazpacho is a low-fat, low-calorie dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice Gazpacho is a delicious and nutritious cold soup that is perfect for summer. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, it is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Rice Gazpacho. It was a warm summer day, and I had just come back from a stroll in the garden, where I had been admiring the ripe tomatoes and cucumbers that were ready to be picked. As I entered the kitchen, I found my dear friend Maria waiting for me, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

"Guess what I have for you today, my dear?" she said, holding out a piece of paper with a recipe written on it in her elegant handwriting.

I took the paper from her hands and read the title: Rice Gazpacho. I had heard of gazpacho before, the cold Spanish soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, but I had never heard of adding rice to it. Intrigued, I looked up at Maria, who was watching me with a twinkle in her eye.

"I learned this recipe from my grandmother," she explained. "It's a traditional recipe from her village in Spain. She used to make it for us on hot summer days, and it was always so refreshing and delicious."

I thanked Maria for sharing the recipe with me and promised to give it a try. As she left, I set to work gathering the ingredients and preparing the dish. I diced the tomatoes and cucumbers, chopped the onions and peppers, and cooked the rice until it was fluffy and tender. I then mixed everything together in a large bowl, adding olive oil, vinegar, and a dash of salt and pepper to taste.

As I took my first spoonful of the Rice Gazpacho, I was transported back to Maria's grandmother's kitchen in Spain. The flavors were bright and fresh, the rice added a satisfying texture, and the overall dish was light and cooling on a hot summer day. I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends.

Over the years, I have made Rice Gazpacho many times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own taste and the ingredients I have on hand. Sometimes I add a handful of fresh herbs from my garden, such as basil or parsley, to give the dish an extra burst of flavor. Other times, I throw in a handful of cooked chickpeas or grilled shrimp to make it a more substantial meal.

I have also shared the recipe with many of my friends and family members, who have all raved about its deliciousness. My grandchildren especially love it, and whenever they come over for a visit, they always ask if I can make them a bowl of Rice Gazpacho. It warms my heart to see them enjoying a dish that has been passed down through generations and brings back memories of my dear friend Maria and her grandmother.

As I sit here, writing down the recipe for Rice Gazpacho, I can't help but feel grateful for all the amazing people and experiences that have brought this dish into my life. From Maria and her grandmother to the bountiful garden that provides me with fresh ingredients, each element has played a role in shaping this recipe and making it a beloved part of my culinary repertoire.

I am proud to carry on the tradition of making Rice Gazpacho and sharing it with those I love. It is a dish that not only nourishes the body but also feeds the soul, connecting me to my past and filling me with joy and memories. I hope that you, too, will give this recipe a try and discover the magic of Rice Gazpacho for yourself. Bon appétit!