Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium-sized cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups of tomato juice
- 1/4 cup of lime juice
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Large mixing bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely pureed.
2. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in the tomato juice, lime juice, olive oil, and chopped mint leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Before serving, give the gazpacho a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the fresh mint leaves with fresh basil or cilantro.
- If you don't have tomato juice, you can use vegetable or chicken broth instead.
Variations:
- For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeno pepper to the mixture.
- You can also add a diced avocado to the gazpacho for a creamier texture.
Tips and tricks:
- For a smoother consistency, strain the gazpacho through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
- Make sure to use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- You can make the gazpacho a day ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Storage instructions:
- Store the gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Gazpacho is meant to be served cold, so there is no need to reheat it.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the gazpacho in chilled bowls or glasses.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a lime wedge.
Garnishes:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Croutons
Pairings:
- Serve with a crusty bread or a side salad for a light meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Roasted vegetables
- Quinoa salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the gazpacho is too thick, add more tomato juice or broth to thin it out.
- If the gazpacho is too thin, add more vegetables to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash all the vegetables thoroughly before using them.
- Keep the gazpacho refrigerated until ready to serve.
Food history:
- Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish cold soup that originated in the southern region of Andalusia.
Flavor profiles:
- The gazpacho has a refreshing and tangy flavor from the lime juice and fresh vegetables. The mint adds a subtle herbaceous note to the soup.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the gazpacho as a starter or a light meal on a hot summer day.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Spanish
Taste: Refreshing, Tangy, Herbal, Citrusy, Savory