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Fresh Gazpacho Recipe Easy Homemade Light and Zesty Cold Soup Guide

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A fresh, light, and zesty cold soup made with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick, refreshing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium ripe tomatoes (about 2 pounds / 900 g), vine-ripened or heirloom
  • 1 medium English cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • Β½ medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • β…“ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cold water
  • Salt to taste (sea salt or kosher salt recommended)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • A handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Optional: Β½ cup bread croutons or cubed day-old bread

Instructions

  1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Roughly chop the tomatoes, cucumber (peeled if preferred), red bell pepper, and red onion. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
  2. Add the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and garlic into a blender or food processor. Pour in the cold water, sherry vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.
  3. Blend on high until smooth but still slightly chunky to keep an authentic texture. For an extra smooth texture, blend longer or strain through a fine mesh sieve.
  4. Pour the mixture into a large bowl. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well and adjust vinegar or salt if needed.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and allow flavors to meld. A minimum of 30 minutes is acceptable in a rush.
  6. Before serving, stir the soup again. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Optionally, sprinkle croutons or cubed day-old bread on top and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

Use ripe tomatoes for best flavor. Do not overblend to keep a slightly chunky texture. Chill the soup thoroughly for the best taste. Adjust seasoning gradually and taste often. Optional garnishes include fresh herbs and croutons. For a thicker soup, reduce water or add soaked bread during blending. Substitute sherry vinegar with red wine vinegar or lemon juice if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: gazpacho, cold soup, summer recipe, fresh soup, tomato soup, healthy, vegan, gluten-free