Best Gazpacho Recipe: Smoky & Refreshing!

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chilled soup on a hot summer day, and Gazpacho Soup is the undisputed king of cool. This vibrant, refreshing soup, packed with fresh vegetables, is not only incredibly healthy but also bursting with flavor. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a uniquely delicious Gazpacho with a smoky twist that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to enjoy the perfect summer soup!

Why You’ll Love This Best Gazpacho Recipe Recipe

This isn’t your average gazpacho recipe. The secret ingredient that sets this apart is roasted tomatoes, giving it a depth of flavor you won’t find anywhere else.

Unique smoky flavor: Roasting half of the tomatoes before blending intensifies their sweetness and adds a delicious smoky depth to the soup.

Enhanced sweetness and richness: Roasting the tomatoes unlocks a deeper flavor through the Maillard reaction, creating a richer and more complex taste. The Maillard reaction helps caramelize the natural sugars, thus creating a sweeter flavor.

Easy and healthy: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, packed with healthy vegetables, and naturally vegetarian and vegan friendly.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 1 green pepper, deseeded and chopped
• 1kg ripe plum tomatoes, cored and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
• 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped
• 75g stale crusty white bread, chopped
• 2–2½ tbsp sherry vinegar, or to taste
• 8 thin slices of country-style white bread
• Olive oil, for brushing

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Here are a few notes about the ingredients for my Gazpacho Soup to help you customize it to your liking.

Tomatoes: Ripe plum tomatoes are key for the best flavor. While other types of tomatoes can be used, the flavor profile will change. Roasting half the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and adds a delicious smoky depth.

Sherry Vinegar: Sherry vinegar adds a traditional tang. If you don’t have it, red wine vinegar can be substituted, though the flavor will be slightly different. If you’re interested in learning more about sherry vinegar and its uses, there are many resources available.

Bread: Stale, crusty white bread is ideal for thickening the soup. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free bread. The bread acts as a natural thickener, giving the gazpacho its characteristic texture.

Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. The fruity notes of good olive oil really shine in this cold soup.

How to Make Gazpacho Soup

Let’s get started making this smoky, refreshing Gazpacho Soup! Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl every time.

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut half of the plum tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet. Roast until slightly softened and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. The aroma will be absolutely enticing! Let them cool slightly before adding to the other ingredients. Roasting brings out the natural sugars, and adds depth to the flavor.

Step 2: Combine the Vegetables

In a large bowl, place the cucumber, peppers, roasted tomatoes, raw tomatoes, garlic, and spring onions. Add the chopped stale bread and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Marinate the Mixture

Add the sherry vinegar and a couple of tablespoons of olive oil to the bowl. Massage the mixture with your hands to release the juices. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. Marinating allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Blend Until Smooth

Transfer the vegetable mixture to a blender. I recommend using a high-speed blender for the smoothest results. Whiz until completely smooth. Check the consistency and add more olive oil or a little water to reach your desired thickness.

Step 5: Adjust and Chill Again

Taste the blended soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more vinegar or salt. Cover and chill again until really cold. This final chill is crucial for the best flavor and a truly refreshing experience.

Step 6: Make the Toasts (Optional)

If using, brush the slices of country-style white bread generously with olive oil. Place a large griddle pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the bread and toast on both sides until golden and crunchy. Drain on kitchen paper and season with a little salt and pepper. These crunchy toasts are a perfect accompaniment to the cool soup. For a lighter meal, you can skip the toasts.

Step 7: Serve

Stir the gazpacho before serving, as the seasoning may have changed slightly as the soup has chilled. Adjust if necessary. Serve ice cold, garnished with your favorite toppings. A vibrant, chilled soup, bursting with flavor is the ultimate reward.

Adjusting the Consistency

Achieving the perfect texture is key to a great Gazpacho. Some prefer a completely smooth soup, while others enjoy a bit of chunkiness.

For a smoother texture, blend the soup for a longer period, ensuring all the vegetables are fully pureed. If you like it chunkier, blend for a shorter time, leaving some small pieces. To thin the soup, add more olive oil or water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For an extra boost of tomato flavor, try adding a splash of tomato juice. If your soup is too thick, add a bit more liquid. If it’s too thin, blend in a few more pieces of bread or a small amount of pureed tomato.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Pro Tips

• Use high-quality, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Roast the tomatoes for a deeper, sweeter, and smokier flavor.
• Chill the soup thoroughly for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as flavors can change when chilled.
• Use a high-speed blender for a smoother texture.
• Add a splash of vodka or gin for an extra kick (optional).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not chilling the soup long enough – gazpacho needs to be very cold to be refreshing.
• Using unripe tomatoes will result in a bland soup.
• Over-blending can make the soup too frothy.
• Adding too much bread can make the soup too thick.
• Not tasting and adjusting the seasoning before serving.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

• Garnish with diced avocado for creaminess.
• Serve with a swirl of pesto or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Thinking of pesto, why not try making your own? Check out this best arugula pesto recipe, it will compliment this soup very well!
• Top with chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives.
• Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Offer a selection of toppings like croutons, chopped vegetables, and hot sauce.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Gazpacho can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Store in an airtight container to prevent oxidation. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing; blending again after thawing can help restore smoothness.

Conclusion

This Gazpacho Soup recipe delivers a delicious and refreshing flavor, packed with healthy ingredients, and is surprisingly easy to prepare. The unique twist of roasting tomatoes elevates the flavor to a whole new level. Even if you’re a novice cook, this recipe is simple and straightforward. Feel free to experiment with variations and serving ideas to customize it to your taste. Share this recipe with friends or explore my other summer soup recipes for more inspiration!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about gazpacho.

What is gazpacho and where does it originate? Gazpacho is a cold soup originating from Spain, traditionally made with raw vegetables. My recipe adds a unique twist by roasting tomatoes, which enhances the flavor profile. Speaking of tomato recipes, have you checked out this fire roasted tomato soup recipe?

How long does gazpacho last in the refrigerator? Gazpacho typically lasts for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. For safe food storage guidelines, you can refer to resources from organizations like the Food and Drug Administration.

What are some common variations of gazpacho? Common variations include adding different vegetables, spices, or herbs. You can also find gluten-free and vegan adaptations to suit various dietary needs.

What are some good pairings for gazpacho? Gazpacho pairs well with crusty bread, grilled cheese, or a light salad. For wine pairings, try a crisp white wine or rosé.

Is gazpacho a healthy choice? Yes! Gazpacho is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydrating vegetables. It is also a low-calorie option, making it a great choice for a light and healthy meal.

How can I adjust the consistency of my gazpacho? You can adjust the consistency by adding more olive oil, water, or tomato juice. If the soup is too thick, add more liquid. If it’s too thin, blend in a few more pieces of bread or a small amount of pureed tomato. Many creamy soups also use potatoes to adjust the thickness. You should check out this delicious creamy potato soup recipe!

Can you freeze gazpacho? Yes, you can freeze gazpacho for up to 3 months, but the texture may change slightly. After thawing, I recommend blending it again to restore its smoothness.

“`