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    Home » Spanish Recipes

    Easy Gazpacho Recipe

    Published: Jul 11, 2023 by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

    36 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Gazpacho is a classic chilled Spanish soup made with fresh raw vegetables, perfect for hot summer days. You can prepare it in just 20 minutes.

    Gazpacho recipe Spanish chilled soup.

    Summer is the perfect time of year to take a break from hot foods. Whether it's Persian cold yogurt soup (abdoogh khiar) or Turkish cacik, we strive for easy and quick summer recipes that won't take long to prepare. This gazpacho recipe is another favorite that comes to the rescue when you're looking for a delicious and healthy dish that doesn't require you to turn on your stove.

    Table Of Contents:
    • What Is Gazpacho?
    • Gazpacho vs. Salmorejo
    • What Is In Gazpacho?
    • How To Make Gazpacho
    • Topping Ideas
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Leftovers
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Summer Recipes To Try
    • Step-by-Step Recipe

    What Is Gazpacho?

    Gazpacho (also known as gaspacho) is a cold soup made with raw fresh vegetables. Its consistency can vary depending on personal preferences. It is commonly enjoyed in Spain and Portugal on hot summer days.

    What's the origin of gazpacho? Classic gazpacho, which lacked tomatoes, originated in the Iberian Peninsula in Roman times. Tomatoes were added in the 19th century, resulting in the red gazpacho we know today.

    Gazpacho vs. Salmorejo

    While both are cold Spanish soups commonly served in summer, gazpacho and salmorejo are two different dishes. Salmorejo uses only tomatoes and garlic, whereas the classic gazpacho recipe calls for various vegetables such as onion, cucumber, bell pepper, as well as tomatoes and garlic.

    What Is In Gazpacho?

    To make this recipe you need bread, tomatoes, green bell peppers, olive oil, sherry vinegar, cucumber, onion and garlic.

    Depending on the region and your preference, the ingredients of this gazpacho recipe could vary. Here are the ingredients to make the classic gazpacho:

    • Tomatoes: Summer tomatoes are the best for gazpacho. The tomatoes should be ripe and the best you can find at the market.
    • Bread: Stale white bread works best for this recipe. While some claim that gazpacho can be creamy without bread, I find the traditional version with bread to be more appetizing and velvety.
    • Bell pepper: Green bell pepper adds a lot of flavor to this soup.
    • Cucumber: Persian cucumbers have thin skin so they're perfect for this cold soup.
    • Onion: Just a small chunk of red onion is enough for a batch of gazpacho.
    • Garlic: A couple cloves of garlic adds a lot of flavor.
    • Olive oil: You need some olive oil to add to the soup and then some to drizzle on it right before serving.
    • Sherry vinegar: To balance all the flavors, if sherry vinegar is not available, use red wine vinegar.
    • Seasoning: All you need is some salt and pepper.

    How To Make Gazpacho

    Blend all in a blender and chill for 3 hours before serving.
    1. Run the bread under cold water for a few seconds and place it in the jar of a blender.
    2. Cut the tomatoes in quarters and remove the seeds and core.
    3. Add the tomatoes to the bread with the green bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, garlic, sherry vinegar, salt and pepper.
    4. Blend it all together until the soup is smooth or reaches your desired consistency.
    5. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
    6. Divide between serving bowls and top with olive oil.

    Topping Ideas

    It's common to serve gazpacho without any toppings or with a drizzle of olive oil. Here are a few suggestions if you'd like to elevate the dish:

    • Sliced cherry tomatoes
    • Fresh basil
    • Croutons
    • Chopped green bell peppers
    • Sliced cherry tomatoes
    • Chopped cucumbers

    Serving Suggestions

    You can serve this delicious Spanish chilled soup as a starter to meals such as grilled spatchcock chicken or steak sandwich. It also makes a great addition to your tapas spread alongside patatas bravas, pan con tomate and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp). With a cold glass of non-alcoholic sangria, this spread brings so much joy to your table!

    Front shot of Spanish chilled soup topped with olive oil and basil.

    Leftovers

    Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Before serving, give it a good stir, divide into bowls, and top with extra virgin olive oil.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I leave out the bread?

    While you can leave out the bread, you should keep in mind that doing so results in a less creamy gazpacho that would split once it chills in the fridge. You can revive the consistency by stirring it a few times, however, I think adding a bit of bread would truly make this chilled soup better.

    How can I make gluten free gazpacho?

    Simply use gluten free bread instead of white bread for gluten-free gazpacho.

    Can I use canned tomatoes to make gazpacho?

    Gazpacho is known for its bright flavor that comes from fresh tomatoes, I strongly recommend not using canned because the flavor will not be the same.

    Why Isn't my gazpacho red?

    Gazpacho isn't supposed to be red. With the addition of bread, cucumber and green bell pepper, the color is going to be more orange than red.

    Can I freeze gazpacho?

    I don't recommend freezing gazpacho since the flavor and texture would change when thawed. It's always best to make and serve gazpacho fresh.

    Close up shot of gazpacho.

    More Summer Recipes To Try

    • watermelon salad with feta and mint.
      Watermelon Salad With Feta And Mint
    • Best summer dinner ideas.
      Best Summer Dinner Ideas
    • Turkish Ezme Recipe
    • Abdoogh khiar Persian cold yogurt soup.
      Abdoogh Khiar - Persian Cold Yogurt Soup

    Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

    Step-by-Step Recipe

    Gazpacho recipe Spanish chilled soup.

    Easy Gazpacho Recipe

    Shadi HasanzadeNemati
    Gazpacho is a classic chilled Spanish soup made with fresh raw vegetables, perfect for hot summer days. You can prepare it in just 20 minutes.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine Mediterranean, Spanish
    Servings 4
    Calories 174 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 ounces stale white bread
    • 6 large tomatoes
    • 1 green bell pepper cut into chunks
    • 1 Persian cucumber
    • ½ small red onion
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • 4 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
    • 2 tbsp sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
    • ½ tsp kosher salt

    Instructions
     

    • Run the stale bread quickly under cold water and place it in the jar of a blender.
    • Cut the tomatoes in quarters, then scoop out and discard the seeds.
    • Place the tomatoes in the blender as well as the green bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, garlic, 2 tablespoon olive oil and salt.
    • Blend for a minute until all is smooth and well combined.
    • Transfer to a container and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
    • Divide the soup between bowls and top with the rest of the olive oil.

    Video

    Notes

    • Bread gives this chilled soup a creamy texture. While you can leave it out, I don't recommend it. However, you can use gluten-free bread if preferred. 
    • Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Stir before serving and top with olive oil. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 174kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 303mgPotassium: 539mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1662IUVitamin C: 51mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!

    More Spanish Recipes

    • Easy seafood paella in a pan.
      Easy Seafood Paella Recipe
    • Spanish Garlic Mushrooms (Champiñones al Ajillo)
    • Ensalada rusa aka Russian salad aka Olivier salad.
      Ensalada Rusa (Russian Salad - Olivier Salad)
    • Pan Con Tomate (Spanish Tomato Bread)
    36 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Miska Knezevic

      July 18, 2023 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      EXCELLENT! I,ll make it tomorow it very hot in Serbia and thi is so cool!

      Reply
    2. veenaazmanov

      July 11, 2023 at 8:19 am

      5 stars
      Love that this is a cold soup. I love the veggie combination to making this perfect Dinner option. A treat for myself any day.

      Reply
    3. Elizabeth

      July 11, 2023 at 7:57 am

      5 stars
      This is such a summery soup! I really like the flavor of the tomatoes and garlic. An added bonus is that it is so healthy!

      Reply
    4. Suja md

      July 11, 2023 at 7:33 am

      5 stars
      Every bite does indeed look amazing! All of the flavors are incredible. And I love these vibrant colors.

      Reply
    5. TAYLER ROSS

      July 11, 2023 at 7:24 am

      5 stars
      I love soup all year round, so this chilled version is perfect for me to make when it's hot out! Already have it on the dinner menu tonight!

      Reply
    6. Ned

      July 11, 2023 at 7:06 am

      5 stars
      This is the perfect summer recipe! Easy to make and delicious!

      Reply

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