Shrimp Gazpacho

Shrimp Gazpacho Recipe - A Delicious Spanish Dish

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Shrimp Gazpacho is a refreshing and flavorful cold soup that is perfect for hot summer days. This dish is packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and succulent shrimp, making it a light and satisfying meal.

History

Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish dish that originated in the Andalusian region. It is typically made with a base of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions, and garlic, and is served cold. The addition of shrimp to this classic recipe adds a delicious twist and makes it a more substantial dish.

Ingredients

8 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled (if desired) and chopped (2.5 lb (1.13 kg))
1 medium cucumber, chopped
1 medium green or red sweet pepper, seeded and chopped
0.75 cup low-sodium vegetable juice or low-sodium tomato juice
0.5 cup clam juice
0.25 cup chopped onion
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp snipped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
0.25 tsp ground cumin
1 x 8 oz (227 g) package frozen, peeled, cooked small shrimp, thawed
fat-free dairy sour cream (optional)

How to prepare

In a large mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, sweet pepper, vegetable juice or tomato juice, clam juice, onion, vinegar, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, and cumin.
Gently fold the shrimp into the tomato mixture.
Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours to allow flavors to blend.
To serve, ladle the mixture into serving bowls.
If desired, top each serving with a spoonful of sour cream.

Variations

Add diced avocado or mango for a tropical twist.
Substitute the shrimp with cooked crab or lobster for a different seafood flavor.
For a vegetarian version, omit the shrimp and add extra vegetables or beans.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the soup in a blender or food processor before adding the shrimp.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more vinegar, garlic, or cumin as needed.

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve Shrimp Gazpacho with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Chilling the soup for several hours allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste of the dish. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have clam juice, you can substitute with seafood or chicken broth. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or basil instead of cilantro.

Make Ahead Tips

Shrimp Gazpacho can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Shrimp Gazpacho in chilled bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro or a slice of lemon for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Shrimp Gazpacho with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also pairs well with a light beer or a refreshing cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Shrimp Gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, simply ladle into a bowl and serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Shrimp Gazpacho contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Shrimp Gazpacho contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Shrimp Gazpacho contains approximately 7 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Shrimp Gazpacho contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp Gazpacho is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Shrimp Gazpacho is a nutritious and low-calorie dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Shrimp Gazpacho is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for summer. Packed with fresh vegetables and succulent shrimp, this cold soup is a refreshing and satisfying meal option. Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner, and impress your guests with this flavorful recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Shrimp Gazpacho. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl visiting my Aunt Maria in Spain. Aunt Maria was a fantastic cook, and she always seemed to effortlessly whip up the most delicious dishes in her cozy kitchen.

One hot summer day, Aunt Maria announced that she would be making her famous Shrimp Gazpacho for dinner. I had never heard of such a dish before, and I was intrigued to see how it was made. As Aunt Maria worked her magic in the kitchen, I watched in awe as she chopped fresh vegetables, boiled shrimp, and blended everything together into a vibrant, flavorful soup.

I eagerly waited for dinner to be served, and when I finally tasted the Shrimp Gazpacho, I was blown away by the explosion of flavors in my mouth. The tangy tomatoes, the crisp cucumbers, the tender shrimp – it was a symphony of tastes that I had never experienced before.

From that moment on, I knew that I had to learn how to make Aunt Maria's Shrimp Gazpacho for myself. I begged her to teach me her recipe, and she graciously agreed. Over the next few days, I shadowed Aunt Maria in the kitchen, taking notes and asking questions as she walked me through each step of the process.

I learned that the key to a delicious Shrimp Gazpacho lies in the freshness of the ingredients. Aunt Maria emphasized the importance of using ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and plump, juicy shrimp to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

I also discovered that the secret ingredient in Aunt Maria's Shrimp Gazpacho was her homemade gazpacho base. She explained that this base – a blend of tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, and garlic – was the foundation of the dish, providing a rich, tangy flavor that set her recipe apart from others.

As I continued to practice making Shrimp Gazpacho under Aunt Maria's guidance, I began to develop my own twist on the recipe. I experimented with different herbs and spices, adding a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick or a handful of fresh basil for a burst of freshness.

Over time, I perfected my own version of Shrimp Gazpacho, blending Aunt Maria's traditional recipe with my own creative flair. I added extra shrimp for a heartier texture, swapped out traditional bread for croutons for a satisfying crunch, and garnished each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of elegance.

Now, many years later, I am proud to say that Aunt Maria's Shrimp Gazpacho has become a staple in my own kitchen. I love to make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and lazy summer afternoons when the sun is shining and the air is warm.

Each time I prepare a batch of Shrimp Gazpacho, I am transported back to that sunny kitchen in Spain, watching Aunt Maria work her culinary magic. I am grateful for her generosity in sharing her recipe with me, and I cherish the memories of our time spent together in the kitchen, bonding over a shared love of food and family.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Shrimp Gazpacho, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And I am grateful for the gift of Aunt Maria's recipe, a treasure that I will carry with me always.