Classic Gazpacho Cold Soup (Print Version)

Vibrant cold Spanish gazpacho with fresh tomatoes and veggies, served chilled for a refreshing meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 800 g ripe tomatoes, cored and chopped
02 - 200 g medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
03 - 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
04 - 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
05 - 1 small red onion, peeled and chopped
06 - 2 garlic cloves, peeled

→ Liquids & Seasonings

07 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
09 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
10 - 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
12 - 60 g day-old country bread, crusts removed
13 - 240 ml cold water, plus more as needed

→ Garnishes

14 - Diced cucumber
15 - Diced red bell pepper
16 - Diced red onion
17 - Fresh parsley or basil leaves
18 - Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling

# Steps:

01 - Place bread slices in a bowl and pour 240 ml cold water over them. Allow to soak for 2 minutes, then squeeze out most of the water and tear bread into pieces.
02 - In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked bread, tomatoes, cucumber, red and green bell peppers, red onion, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, sea salt, black pepper, and cumin if using. Blend on high speed until smooth.
03 - Taste the mixture and adjust salt, vinegar, or olive oil as needed. If the consistency is too thick, blend in extra cold water a little at a time until desired texture is achieved.
04 - Pour the blended soup into a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
05 - Stir the soup before ladling into bowls. Garnish with diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For a refined finish, strain the blended mixture through a fine sieve before chilling.
02 - Select deeply flavorful, fully ripe summer tomatoes for the best results.
03 - Traditional sherry vinegar offers classic depth, but red wine vinegar can be substituted.
04 - Pairs well with crusty bread or as a refreshing starter for grilled dishes.