The 6 Minute Gazpacho

Flavorful & Light! A Perfect Fit for your Afternoon Pool Party!

I'm all about quick recipes in the kitchen, so I have more time to spend with loved ones, enjoying some bevvies & patio laughter. When it comes to fast, light cooking there's nothing easier than cold, blended soups on a hot sunny afternoon. 

I've been making Gazpacho for years now and realize that it's different every time. There are so many variations on this Andalusian classic that anyone can make it their own. The traditional Spanish method uses stale bread, tomatoes, garlic and vinegar. I tend to stay away from a lot of starches/carbs in the summer (well, except for chips... I won't deny myself chips!) so sans the bread, then add a few spicy flavors of my own!

WHAT'S IN IT 

* blender or large food processor

1 can of tomatoes (San Marzano preferably: whole, pureed or diced) your choice
2 garlic cloves

1 green pepper

fresh lime juice
1 chilli roughly chopped
one cup of water or a small can of V8a chopped fistful of fresh coriander
salt & pepper to taste

BLEND IT

Roughly chop the garlic and green pepper and chilli and puree until almost well blended, add some olive oil to moisten it up. Add the tomatoes, lime juice, water and salt and pepper. Puree until your desired consistency. Add the V8 or more H2O, olive oil and coriander to the blender and proceed to mix. Make sure to chill the soupy mixture, even better if left over night. 

TO GARNISH

As a topper for the soup I like to add something different every time. This time, I mixed up some avocado, lemon juice, red onion and cucumber with a little olive oil and S&P, along with some fresh oriander leaves and, wham-oh, the soup pops with colour. 

Once again, experiment, punch it up a bit by adding some vodka (tequilas best!) or a splash of your favorite hot sauce, maybe some fresh cucumber or even roasted red peppers. For those of you not diggin' the coriander, you may substitute with basil or parsley. This incredibly diverse soup is hard to mess up. To sip, may I suggest a beer? LC.