Refreshing Chilled Spanish Gazpacho (Printable Version)

A cool, vibrant blend of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and fresh peppers creates this Spanish classic. Perfect for warm weather dining.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 6 ripe tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
02 - 1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped
03 - 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
04 - 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
05 - 1/2 small red onion, peeled and chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, peeled

→ Liquids

07 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
09 - 2 cups tomato juice (unsalted or low sodium preferred)

→ Bread

10 - 2 slices stale white bread, crusts removed and torn into pieces

→ Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - Pinch of cumin

→ Garnish

14 - Diced cucumber, tomato, and bell pepper
15 - Fresh basil or parsley leaves
16 - Additional olive oil for drizzling

# Directions:

01 - Combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, onion, and garlic in a blender. Add bread pieces if using for extra body.
02 - Pour in olive oil, vinegar, tomato juice, salt, black pepper, and cumin.
03 - Blend until completely smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more tomato juice or cold water if thinner texture is desired.
04 - Sample the mixture and adjust salt and pepper levels as needed.
05 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to develop and meld completely.
06 - Stir well before serving. Ladle into bowls or glasses and top with diced vegetables, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Nothing heats up your kitchen, making it a lifesaver during brutal summer months
  • The flavors actually improve overnight, so it is the ultimate make-ahead meal
  • Every bite tastes like a garden, no matter how mediocre your produce shopping skills might be
02 -
  • The chilling time is non-negotiable because the flavor transformation happens in the refrigerator
  • Raw garlic gets stronger as it sits, so go easy when adding it initially
  • Room temperature gazpacho is a completely different experience from properly chilled
03 -
  • Make it the day before you plan to serve it
  • Invest in good sherry vinegar because the flavor difference is worth it

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