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Fresh Easy Gazpacho Recipe to Beat Summer Heat Perfectly

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A refreshing cold soup made with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and a splash of sherry vinegar, perfect for cooling down on hot summer days. This easy gazpacho is quick to prepare, healthy, and naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped (preferably vine-ripened or heirloom)
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced (English cucumber preferred)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow if desired)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar (white wine vinegar can be substituted)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup cold water (to adjust consistency)
  • Fresh herbs (optional): handful of chopped basil or parsley for garnish
  • Tabasco or hot sauce (optional): a few dashes for subtle heat

Instructions

  1. Wash all produce well. Peel and dice the cucumber, chop the tomatoes and red bell pepper into chunks, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic (about 10 minutes).
  2. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic to a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times to combine, then blend until mostly smooth but still with some texture, about 1 minute. Pulse less for chunkier soup.
  3. Pour in the olive oil, sherry vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Blend again for 30 seconds to mix evenly.
  4. Add cold water gradually to reach preferred thickness, usually about 1/2 cup. Blend briefly after adding water.
  5. Transfer the gazpacho to a bowl or container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let flavors meld and chill.
  6. Before serving, stir well and taste. Adjust salt, vinegar, or hot sauce as desired. Garnish with fresh herbs or diced veggies.

Notes

Use the ripest tomatoes possible for best flavor. Chill the soup for at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal taste. Adjust acidity and seasoning after chilling. For a smoother texture, strain through a fine mesh sieve. Avoid blending too long to maintain some texture. Add hot sauce or cayenne sparingly for heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: gazpacho, cold soup, summer recipe, easy gazpacho, vegan soup, gluten-free, healthy summer meal, tomato cucumber soup