Gazpacho
What fresh and wholesome dish might you prepare when summer makes its way into our lives, with all its bright glory and good-humoured atmosphere, inviting us to experiment with new recipes which give us some real enjoyment from eating light, fresh and nutritious food? Well, we have dreamt up something invigorating for both the body and mind, designed with the summer heat in mind and, above all, the need to stay hydrated, and inspired by a country almost defined by the heat of its land – Spain. So, from a mixture of our imagination and the culinary tradition of Iberia, we present a revisitation of the classic Gazpacho that is a little different from the normal chilled soup eaten in Andalusia and which has become famous throughout the world. Enhancing this Spanish specialty with the best seasonal vegetables, we can stay in shape without sacrificing flavour in any way.
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Wash and clean all the vegetables, cut them into small pieces and place them in a tall, narrow container. With an immersion blender, blitz everything well until you have a smooth mixture. Add the lime juice, tabasco and oil, and mix well again. Add salt and sugar, taste to check if it is to your liking - add more if need be. With the blender running, add the oil in a slow trickle to create an emulsion. Then add the breadcrumbs and mix well once again. Put it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes, and then serve in small glasses or bowls with a grinding of freshly ground pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Your gazpacho is ready!
Step by step
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Prepare the vegetables by chopping them up coarsely, ready to be blended
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Put the vegetables into a suitable container
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Blend the vegetables with an electric hand blender, adding oil and seasoning with salt, pepper and chilli
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Add the breadcrumbs and blend once again
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Squeeze the juice from half a lime into the mixture
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Your cool, refreshing starter is ready, perfect for a sultry summer evening
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Additional information
Gazpacho with Yellow and Red Peppers
One of the tastiest variations of Gazpacho is certainly the one that includes yellow and red peppers. These vegetables not only add a vibrant color to the dish but also enrich the flavor with their natural sweetness. To prepare this version, simply follow the traditional recipe and make sure to use fresh, ripe peppers. The combination of peppers with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions creates a perfect balance of freshness and savoriness. Additionally, you can add aromatic herbs like basil or parsley for an extra touch. This Gazpacho is ideal to serve as a refreshing appetizer in the summer months, perfect for accompanying an outdoor dinner or enjoying alone on a hot day.
Spanish Gazpacho with Added Bread
Spanish Gazpacho is a preparation that respects the Andalusian tradition but stands out for the addition of stale bread, which makes the consistency of the dish creamier and heartier. To make it, simply blend together the fresh vegetables with the bread previously soaked in water and vinegar, creating a thick and flavorful soup. This version pairs perfectly with the use of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, which further enriches the flavor of the Gazpacho. Served cold, it is an ideal dish for hot summer days and can be accompanied by bread croutons or fresh vegetables for an extra touch of freshness and crunchiness.
Light Gazpacho without Bread
For those who want to enjoy a lighter and healthier Gazpacho, the version without bread is perfect. This preparation retains all the fresh flavors of the vegetables, without the addition of carbohydrates. To make it, you can use tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and onions, blended with water and a pinch of salt. Add lime juice and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an extra touch of flavor. This version is ideal for those on a low-calorie diet or for anyone looking for a refreshing and thirst-quenching dish. Light Gazpacho is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
Gazpacho: Benefits of Fresh Vegetables and Approximate Calories
Gazpacho is a dish that boasts numerous health benefits, thanks to the abundance of fresh vegetables it contains. Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, which help keep the body healthy and fit. In particular, tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps combat free radicals. Additionally, Gazpacho is an excellent source of hydration, being primarily composed of water. As for calories, a serving of Gazpacho (about 250 ml) contains approximately 80-100 calories, making it a light and nutritious option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Can Gazpacho be Frozen?
A common question among those who love to prepare Gazpacho is whether it can be frozen. The answer is yes, but with some precautions. It is advisable to freeze the Gazpacho before adding ingredients like olive oil and bread, as these may alter its consistency once thawed. To freeze it, simply pour the Gazpacho into airtight containers or food bags, leaving a little space for expansion during freezing. When you want to consume it, just transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw slowly and then mix it well before serving. This way, you can enjoy fresh and tasty Gazpacho even weeks after preparation.