Easy Gazpacho Made Without Juice

Today we're taking a refreshing plunge into the realm of gazpacho—a beloved Spanish classic that's perfect for savoring the summer season. Gazpacho is a chilled soup bursting with the essence of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, zesty peppers, and fragrant herbs. Its smooth texture and tangy flavors make it a tantalizing option for those seeking a light and invigorating dish. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, a light lunch, or even a refreshing beverage, gazpacho offers a delightful respite from the sweltering heat. It's also a tasty way to get more vegetables into your diet. 

I want to share my version of this delightful chilled soup. Many recipes online call for canned or bottle tomato juice. This recipe is made from all raw fruits and vegetables. It helps a lot to use a high-powered blender to get a nice smooth consistency. Now if you want it chunky, you can blend it a little less. This soup is packed with flavor, and is so quick to make. 

Check out the recipe below

I didn't have quite enough Roma tomatoes, so I added a hefty handful of cherry tomatoes. 

What you will need 

For the soup: 

• 5-6 fresh Roma tomatoes cut in quarters  
• 1 small or 1/2 of a large red or orange bell pepper, cut in big pieces
• 3/4 of an English cucumber peeled and cut in large chunks
• 1/2 of a small red onion
• 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic
• a big handful of fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• sea salt and cracked pepper to taste, about a tsp each

For the topping: 

• the remaining 1/4 cucumber dice finely (skin on)
• cherry tomatoes cut into small pieces
• cilantro
• avocado chunks

How to make it

1. Add all of the cut up vegetables except for the toppings into your blender. 
2. Next, add olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. 
3. Blend on high speed until you reach the consistency you like. Taste for seasoning, and add additional salt and pepper if needed. 
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to come together. 
5. Top with the chopped veggies and a drizzle of olive oil if you'd like. ENJOY! 

Gazpacho is a versatile soup that offers a wide range of topping possibilities, allowing you to tailor it to your personal preferences. Traditional toppings include diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and croutons, which add texture and enhance the overall flavor profile. You could even add cooked, chilled shrimp to make it a heartier meal. For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. As for storage, gazpacho can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy its refreshing taste and vibrant colors over multiple servings. So go ahead and explore the endless variations and toppings to create your own delightful gazpacho experience, perfect for cooling down during hot summer days or whenever your taste buds crave a burst of Mediterranean flavors!