Refreshing Spanish Gazpacho with a Twist

Gazpacho is a refreshing and vibrant cold soup that perfectly encapsulates the essence of summer. This variation adds a delightful twist to the traditional Spanish recipe with the inclusion of creamy avocado and fresh cheese. Made with ripe tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, and bell peppers, this gazpacho is a symphony of flavors and textures. The addition of tangy vinegar enhances the freshness of the vegetables, while garlic gives it a subtle kick. Uniquely, this recipe involves blending part of the ingredients for a smooth consistency, while the rest are diced to retain some crunch. This dish works wonders as a light appetizer or a main course on warm days. Simple and quick to prepare, it's an excellent choice when you want something delicious yet low-effort. Gazpacho offers not just nourishment but also a delicate balance of flavors that can be enjoyed by family and guests alike. As a bonus, it's vegetarian-friendly, and with minor adjustments, it can cater to vegan diets, making it versatile for any table setting.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 750 ml tomato juice
• 2 medium-sized short cucumbers
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 medium red onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 ripe avocado, soft
• 1 dessert spoon (approx. 9 ml) 9% vinegar
• Salt to taste
• 70 g fresh cheese (optional)

Optional:

• French baguette for grilling

Preparation Time

• Total: 80 minutes (20 minutes for preparation and 60 minutes for chilling)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by preparing your vegetables - peel the cucumbers and slice both the yellow bell pepper and red onion. Cut all these vegetables into halves. Set one half of each aside for blending and the other half for dicing.

2. Blending: Place half of the prepared vegetables into a blender. Add both cloves of garlic, the ripe avocado, and pour in the tomato juice and vinegar. Blend these ingredients until you achieve a smooth and uniform puree.

3. Dicing: Take the remaining halves of the vegetables and chop them finely. Once done, transfer them into a large serving bowl or a pot.

4. Combining: Pour the blended mixture over the diced vegetables. Add salt according to your taste.

5. Chilling: Mix everything well and cover the bowl or pot. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to chill.

6. Serving Preparation: As the soup chills, you can choose to prepare optional servings of grilled French baguette slices for adding a crunchy texture.

7. Serving: Once well-chilled, bring the gazpacho out of the refrigerator. Serve it in individual bowls.

8. Garnishing: For an additional touch, place small dollops of fresh cheese in the center of each bowl of gazpacho.

9. Additional Sides: Complete the meal with grilled baguette slices for added flavor and texture.

10. Enjoy: Finally, indulge in the refreshing and nutritious comfort of this modern take on gazpacho.

Tips

• Substitutions: Substitute fresh cheese with vegan alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
• Acidity Balance: Feel free to adjust the amount of vinegar to align with your desired acidity level.
• Ripe Avocado: Ensure the avocado used is ripe; it lends creaminess and a rich taste.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 150 per serving
• Protein: 3 g
• Fats: 10 g
• Carbs: 14 g

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a spicy version.
• Texture Variation: For a completely smooth soup, blend all the vegetables. Alternatively, for a chunkier texture, dice more vegetables rather than blending them.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of grilled cheese or cheese sticks.
• Pair with a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled glass of lemonade.

Best Places

1. Café Tula - An inviting spot known for its refreshing takes on classic dishes. Location: Calle Larramendi 7, San Sebastián, Spain.
2. The Gazpacho Bar - Offers a variety of gazpacho infusions. Location: Plaza del Rey 3, Madrid, Spain.
3. Bodega Santa Cruz - A bustling Spanish bar famous for tapas and gazpacho. Location: Calle Rodrigo Caro 1, Seville, Spain.
4. Tapas 24 - Offers a unique twist on traditional Spanish recipes. Location: Carrer de la Diputació 269, Barcelona, Spain.
5. La Pecera - Zesty gazpacho served in a contemporary setting. Location: Calle de Valverde 40, Madrid, Spain.
6. Mesón 5Jotas - Known for its authentic Spanish cuisine. Location: Calle Cuna 68, Seville, Spain.
7. Bar Colón - Offers delightful small-plate and gazpacho options. Location: Plaza Tornay 1, Zaragoza, Spain.
8. La Fonda - Elegant setting with a signature gazpacho. Location: Calle del Menador 1, Valencia, Spain.
9. El Tapeo de Cervantes - Perfect spot for innovative tapas and gazpacho. Location: Calle Álamos 11, Málaga, Spain.
10. Restaurante Sobrino de Botín - Offers a historical dining experience with traditional dishes. Location: Calle de Cuchilleros 17, Madrid, Spain.