~ Gazpacho ~
If heat could speak, then it’s shouting right now. It’s so hot outside, the candles have melted on the terrace, the dog hasn’t moved since yesterday, and we have blankets pinned down over our skylights to keep out the sun. In this heat, food must be easy, cool and light. Preparation should be kept to a minimum, and any heat generating appliances forbidden. In our home, this means it’s time for Gazpacho.
When I make gazpacho, we know that summer has arrived. We are dining al fresco, and the temperature is approaching triple digits. It’s a hot weather dinner staple that’s followed us from country to country, always called upon when we are in the midst of a heatwave. This gazpacho is chunky, and we affectionately call it a liquid salad. Not a fan of mushy consistencies, I dice all of the vegetables and float them in seasoned tomato juice. The result is a cool soup with loads of crunch and texture, satisfying and refreshing to eat. And in this heat, crunching our soup is the most exertion we can manage.
~
Gazpacho
Serve with cheese and bread, melon and prosciutto and a chilled rosé or sauvignon blanc. Serves 6-8.
32 ounces or 1 liter tomato juice
4 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, diced, with juices
2 spring onions, white parts thinly sliced, green parts reserved for garnish
1 English cucumber, seeded, cut in 1/4 inch dice
1 sweet red pepper, seeded, cut in 1/4 inch dice
1 small fennel bulb, fronds removed, cut in 1/4 inch dice
1 large carrot, finely diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, minced
1 large garlic clove, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce, or to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped cilantro (or parsley)
Garnish:
Sliced jalapeños
Cilantro or parsley
Lime wedges
Combine all of the ingredients, except the cilantro in a large bowl. Mix together and taste for seasoning. Refrigerate at least one hour or up to 6 hours. Before serving, stir in the cilantro. Serve ganished with sliced green parts of the spring onions, sliced jalapeños, additional cilantro and lime wedges.
Definitely a new Arizona summer recipe. The colors are fantastic and I’ll be able to use those tomatoes that are quickly ripening in our garden! Thanks, Lynda!
You can send some of the heat this way – I’ll take it. 🙂 This gaspacho looks awesome and yes – I can definitely imagine it goes well with a sauvignon blanc. These photos are fantastic!
I wish you could send some of that heat my way! In SD we are covered in ‘june gloom’ and I would love to feel some summer heat… I will just have to wait a few more weeks hopefully! This gazpacho looks amazing, and I agree, it means summer is in full swing. (also love your bowls, I have them too!)
Another San Diego fan here…I like the idea of making gazpacho have a chunky texture and plan to revise mine.
I love how you keep it chunky. Very cool, ha, pun intended, recipe!
Lynda, I love gazpacho , too. Your vibrant colors look delicious! Your pic is gorgeous! The description of “liquid salad” is perfect…I think that is also how Hemingway described it.
That gazpacho even LOOKS cool and refreshing. Great way to beat the heat.
I too am a big fan of gazpacho, but for some reason always want to puree mine in a blender. Love your presentation with nice big chunks of veggies. The idea of crunching my was through a bowl sounds much more satisfying. – S
Love gazpacho! And yes, it is the perfect al fresco dish on a warm summer evening.
Your gazpacho looks so fresh and cool! One of the must-have in summer.
I made this last night and my guests all LOVED it! Instead of cucumber I threw in 5 tomatillos, which gave a great tangy flavor to the soup! I will be making this all summer long, thank you!
Omg- I saw this on FG yest and wanted this last night when I was feeling feverish- beautiful color, love it!
Yum! So fresh & refreshing looking.
What a fabulous recipe! I love all the ingredients; fennel is such a great addition! This is perfect for this heat. I had an amazing peach gazpacho the other day!! (food for thought)
I love gazpacho it’s just perfect for summer! Yours looks very refreshing and I love the chunky veggies.
I love Gazpacho and what a great idea to keep it chunky. Lucky for me Hubster won’t touch it!