Are you craving a refreshing and vibrant dish that's perfect for a hot summer day? Look no further than this delightful Gazpacho recipe, inspired by the sunny landscapes of Dreamlight Valley! This chilled Spanish tomato soup is incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavour, and surprisingly healthy. It's the perfect quick dinner idea, a delicious dish for a light lunch, or a fantastic addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. This recipe will guide you through creating a vibrant and flavourful gazpacho that's sure to become a new favourite.
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily scalable – feel free to double or triple it depending on how much gazpacho you need!
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar (optional, but adds depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup bread, crusts removed (day-old bread works best)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, sherry vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Soak the Bread: Add the bread to the bowl and gently toss to combine. Let the bread soak in the mixture for at least 15 minutes to soften. This step helps to thicken the gazpacho.
- Blend: Transfer the mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender). Blend until completely smooth. For a chunkier gazpacho, pulse the blender a few times instead of blending continuously.
- Chill: Once blended, pour the gazpacho into a container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve chilled.
Tips for the Best Gazpacho:
- Use ripe tomatoes: The flavor of your gazpacho heavily depends on the quality of your tomatoes. Ripe, flavorful tomatoes will make all the difference.
- Don't over-blend: If you prefer a slightly chunky gazpacho, pulse the blender instead of blending continuously.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste the gazpacho before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and vinegar to your liking. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add brightness.
- Get creative with your garnish: Experiment with different garnishes such as chopped avocado, croutons, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Variations:
- Spicy Gazpacho: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Avocado Gazpacho: Add 1/2 a ripe avocado to the blender for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Cucumber Gazpacho: Increase the amount of cucumber to create a lighter, more refreshing gazpacho.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Protein: Approximately 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful gazpacho – a true taste of sunshine! It's a healthy meal, a delicious dish, and one of the best recipes for a hot summer day. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress.