Homemade Gazpacho Recipe
Homemade Gazpacho Recipe
Ingredients:
6 ripe tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), chopped
1 small red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1-2 cups tomato juice (as needed for consistency)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnishes: chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil), diced cucumber, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil
Instructions:
Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl or blender, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic.
Blend the Mixture: Use a blender or food processor to blend the vegetables until smooth. You may need to do this in batches if using a smaller blender.
Seasoning and Consistency: Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice to the blended vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture is too thick, add tomato juice gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Chill: Transfer the gazpacho to a container and refrigerate for at least an hour or until well chilled. Chilling allows the flavors to meld.
Serve: Before serving, give the gazpacho a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls or glasses and garnish with chopped herbs, diced cucumber, croutons, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Enjoy: Serve the gazpacho as a refreshing appetizer or light meal, especially on warm days.
Notes:
Gazpacho is versatile; feel free to adjust the quantities of ingredients or add different vegetables to suit your taste.
For a smoother texture, strain the gazpacho through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
This recipe captures the essence of fresh summer produce and makes for a deliciously refreshing soup. Adjust the ingredients and seasoning to suit your preferences and enjoy the flavors of ripe tomatoes and vegetables in each spoonful!
