SpanishStarterVegan

Gazpacho

Prep
20 minutes
Cook
0 minutes
Total
2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Serves
4
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Ingredients

Units
  • 2 pounds (900g) ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper (7.1 oz), roughly chopped
  • 1 cucumber (11 oz), roughly chopped
  • 1/2 red onion (2.6 oz), roughly chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin Spanish olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup (240ml) tomato juice or vegetable broth
  • 1 slice day-old Spanish bread (1 ¾ oz), torn into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • Pinch of paprika
  • Ice cubes for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Combine the torn bread with 1/4 cup (60ml) of tomato juice or broth in a bowl and let it soak for 5 minutes until soft and saturated.

  2. 2

    Add the chopped tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and minced garlic to a large blender or food processor.

  3. 3

    Add the soaked bread along with its liquid, olive oil, red wine vinegar, remaining tomato juice, salt, pepper, and cumin if using.

  4. 4

    Blend on high speed for 60 to 90 seconds until the mixture reaches a smooth but slightly textured consistency—it should not be completely puréed.

  5. 5

    Pour the gazpacho through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to extract all liquid while leaving some texture; alternatively, skip straining for a chunkier version.

  6. 6

    Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, vinegar, or olive oil as needed; the flavors should be bright and balanced.

  7. 7

    Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the soup reaches 45°F (7°C) or below.

  8. 8

    Stir well before serving and ladle into chilled bowls, adding a few ice cubes to each serving.

  9. 9

    Drizzle with additional olive oil and garnish with diced tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, croutons, or a hard-boiled egg if desired.