Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro)
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped cucumbers, green bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Pulse until the vegetables are finely chopped.
2. Add the vegetable broth, red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to the blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
3. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Chill the soup in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. When ready to serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
5. Temperature:
Chilled
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Per serving:
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
- If you don't have red wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- You can use agave nectar or maple syrup instead of honey.
Variations:
- Add a diced avocado to the soup for a creamier texture.
- Top the soup with croutons or chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Add a diced jalapeño pepper for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to chill the soup for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- If the soup is too thick, you can add more vegetable broth to thin it out.
- For a smoother texture, strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Serve the soup chilled.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the soup in chilled bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro)
- Croutons
- Chopped nuts
- Diced avocado
- Sliced cucumber
Pairings:
- Serve the soup as a light lunch or dinner with a side salad or sandwich.
Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Grilled cheese sandwich
- Crostini with goat cheese and roasted red peppers
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the soup is too thin, add more chopped vegetables to the blender and blend until smooth.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash all vegetables thoroughly before using.
Food history:
- Gazpacho is a cold soup that originated in Andalusia, Spain.
Flavor profiles:
- The soup is refreshing and tangy, with a hint of sweetness from the honey.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the soup as a starter for a summer dinner party.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Spanish
Taste: Refreshing, Tangy, Savory, Herbal, Crisp