Fern'S Gazpacho
Refreshing and vibrant, Fern's Gazpacho blends ripe tomatoes, fresh vegetables, and tangy vinegar for a cool, flavorful summer appetizer suitable for all tastes.
Ingredients
- 6 cups canned plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cucumber, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cups tomato juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped tomato-garlic croutons ⓘ
Instructions
- In a blender, puree the canned plum tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and chopped cucumber.
- Add the tomato juice, cumin, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator.
- Before serving, add olive oil and wine vinegar to the chilled soup.
- Serve with side dishes of chopped vegetables and garnish with tomato-garlic croutons.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the soup longer, or strain it after blending. If you're out of canned tomatoes, fresh ripe tomatoes can be used, though you may need to adjust the liquid. For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can add a delightful twist to the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing gazpacho with a side of chopped vegetables for a crunchy contrast. It pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as a Pasta Salad Bowl. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein source like grilled shrimp or chicken. Garnish each bowl with a handful of tomato-garlic croutons for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together beautifully over time. When ready to serve, give it a good stir and taste to adjust seasoning, as the flavors may have intensified. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can alter the texture; serve chilled instead.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fern'S Gazpacho contains roughly 1722 calories, with 67g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (141% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2565mg per serving (112% 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 this gazpacho ahead of time?
Absolutely! This gazpacho can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the flavors to develop even further, making it taste even better when served.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this gazpacho is completely vegan. All the ingredients used, including the olive oil and vinegar, are plant-based, making it a great choice for those following vegan diets.
What can I use instead of tomato juice?
If you don't have tomato juice on hand, you can use vegetable broth or a mixture of water and crushed tomatoes. This will still provide a nice base flavor while maintaining the soup's refreshing character.
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).