Classic Spanish Cold Gazpacho (Print Version)
Vibrant Spanish cold soup bursting with tomatoes, peppers, and olive oil. Served chilled for maximum freshness.
# Ingredients:
→ Vegetables
01 -
6 ripe tomatoes (approximately 800 g), cored and chopped
02 -
1 medium cucumber (approximately 200 g), peeled, seeded, and chopped
03 -
1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
04 -
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
05 -
1 small red onion, peeled and chopped
06 -
2 garlic cloves, peeled
→ Liquids & Seasonings
07 -
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 -
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
09 -
1 teaspoon sea salt
10 -
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 -
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
12 -
2 slices day-old country bread (approximately 60 g), crusts removed
13 -
240 ml cold water, plus more as needed
→ Garnishes
14 -
Diced cucumber
15 -
Diced red bell pepper
16 -
Diced red onion
17 -
Fresh parsley or basil leaves
18 -
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Place the bread slices in a bowl and pour over 240 ml of cold water. Let soak for 2 minutes, then squeeze out most of the liquid and tear the bread into pieces.
02 -
In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked bread, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red and green bell peppers, onion, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, sea salt, black pepper, and cumin if using. Blend until completely smooth.
03 -
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, vinegar, or olive oil to your preference. If the soup is too thick, blend in a bit more cold water until desired consistency is reached.
04 -
Transfer the blended soup to a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
05 -
Stir the soup before serving. Ladle into bowls and garnish with diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, fresh herbs, and an extra drizzle of olive oil.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For a silkier texture, strain the blended soup through a fine sieve before chilling.
02 -
Choose the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes available for the best taste.
03 -
Gazpacho is ideal as a starter or a light lunch, especially on hot days.
04 -
Sherry vinegar provides classic character, but red wine vinegar works well if unavailable.