Gazpacho Andaluz
A quintessential Andalusian cold tomato soup, this refreshing gazpacho is a vibrant blend of ripe tomatoes, crisp vegetables, and softened bread, perfect for a hot summer day. It's best served ice-cold.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Ripe tomatoes(Choose very ripe, flavorful tomatoes like Roma or heirloom for the best taste. Core and quarter them.)
- 1 Cucumber(Medium-sized. Peel, halve lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds before chopping.)
- 1 Green bell pepper(Medium-sized. Remove stem, seeds, and white pith, then chop.)
- 100 g Stale white bread(Crusts removed. Soak in water for about 5-10 minutes until softened, then squeeze out excess water.)
- 100 ml Extra virgin olive oil(Good quality olive oil is essential for flavor.)
- 2 tbsp Sherry vinegar(Adjust to your taste. A good quality sherry vinegar (Vinagre de Jerez) is recommended.)
- 1 clove Garlic(Peeled. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for garlic intensity.)
- 100-200 ml Cold water(Optional, to adjust consistency. Use ice-cold water.)
- to taste Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the vegetables: Core and quarter the ripe tomatoes. Peel, halve, deseed, and chop the cucumber. Remove the stem, seeds, and pith from the green pepper, then chop. Peel the garlic clove.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Soak the bread: Remove the crusts from the stale bread. Soak it in a bowl of water for about 5-10 minutes until softened. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Blend the base: In a blender or food processor, combine the quartered tomatoes, chopped cucumber, chopped green pepper, squeezed bread, and peeled garlic clove. Blend until roughly pureed.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Emulsify with olive oil: With the blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. This process helps create a creamy texture.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Add vinegar and season: Add the sherry vinegar and a generous pinch of salt. Blend again briefly to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or vinegar if needed. If the gazpacho is too thick, gradually blend in some ice-cold water until you reach your desired consistency.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Strain for smoothness (optional): For an ultra-smooth texture, pass the gazpacho through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids with the back of a spoon. Discard any remaining pulp.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Chill thoroughly: Transfer the gazpacho to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, until it is thoroughly chilled. The flavors will meld and deepen as it chills.
⏱️ 2 hours - 8
Serve: Ladle the ice-cold gazpacho into bowls. Garnish with finely diced cucumber, green pepper, tomato, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Gazpacho must be served ice-cold for the best refreshing experience. Ensure it chills for the recommended time.
- ✓Using the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes will significantly enhance the taste of your gazpacho.
- ✓Straining the gazpacho through a fine-mesh sieve is optional but recommended if you prefer a silky-smooth texture without any vegetable pulp.
- ✓Adjust the amount of garlic and sherry vinegar to your personal preference. Start with less and add more to taste.
- ✓For an extra cold soup, you can add a few ice cubes to the blender during the final blending stage, or chill the serving bowls beforehand.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Watermelon Gazpacho: Replace some of the tomatoes with cubed, deseeded watermelon for a sweeter, fruitier twist.
- Gazpacho without bread: Omit the bread for a lighter, gluten-free version. You may need to adjust the consistency with a little more water or olive oil.
- Spicy Gazpacho: Add a small piece of jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the blender for a hint of heat.
- Garnishes: Experiment with different garnishes like croutons, hard-boiled eggs, or fresh herbs.