Blended Gazpacho
Blended Gazpacho is a refreshing cold soup that combines the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and zesty peppers. Perfect for hot summer days, it offers a nutritious and flavorful option for those seeking a light meal or appetizer. Enjoy it chilled, topped with crunchy bread cubes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove garlic skins; peel away tomato skins and blend 1 clove garlic and 3 tomatoes in your electric blender.
- Add 1 onion (cut in quarters), 1 green pepper (cut in quarters), and 1 cucumber (peeled and cut in cubes) to the blender mixture and blend again. Strain the mixture into a large serving bowl.
- Blend together eggs, vinegar, salt, cayenne, and tomato juice long enough to mix thoroughly.
- Stir the mixture into the serving bowl and chill in the refrigerator. Add oil before serving.
- Chop the remaining tomato, onion, cucumber, and green pepper into very fine pieces. Keep these 4 vegetables in separate piles.
- Put the chopped vegetables into 4 small bowls.
- Heat butter with the remaining clove of garlic; toss in bread cubes and fry until crisp and golden.
- Put the fried bread cubes into a small bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother gazpacho, make sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly. You can substitute white wine vinegar for the regular vinegar for a slightly different flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper or even a dash of hot sauce. For a creamier texture, consider blending in a bit of avocado. This dish can also be adjusted easily for vegetarian recipes by omitting the eggs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gazpacho chilled for a refreshing dish, garnishing with the finely chopped vegetables for a colorful presentation. Accompany it with the crispy fried bread cubes for added texture. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like a light salad or stuffed zucchini for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and improve over time. If you want to enjoy it warm, gently reheat on the stove over low heat, being careful not to boil it, as gazpacho is traditionally served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blended Gazpacho contains roughly 322 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (188% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2046mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make gazpacho ahead of time?
Absolutely! Gazpacho is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare it the day before and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify, resulting in a more delicious dish when served.
What can I use instead of tomatoes?
If you're looking for a substitute for tomatoes, try using roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile. While it won't be a traditional gazpacho, it will still create a refreshing cold soup. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this gazpacho vegan, simply omit the eggs and consider adding a splash of non-dairy yogurt or a bit of tahini for creaminess. The other ingredients will still provide plenty of flavor, keeping the dish vibrant and enjoyable without animal products.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).