Easy Gazpacho 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.

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?

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

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!

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