Black Bean Gazpacho: A Refreshing Summer Delight ๐๐
Welcome to Love With Recipes! Today, weโre excited to share with you a wonderful and healthy light lunch or first course โ Black Bean Gazpacho. This recipe is perfect for a fast and easy make-ahead dish, ideal for hot summer days. This delightful gazpacho, courtesy of my sister, is a low-cholesterol, no-cook marvel thatโs ready in just 20 minutes. Letโs dive into this vibrant, flavor-packed recipe! ๐๐ฅฃ
Ingredients You’ll Need ๐ฟ๐ด
To create this refreshing Black Bean Gazpacho, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 tomatoes, diced ๐
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced ๐
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed ๐ซ
- 1 cup garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed ๐ฐ
- 1/2 cup zucchini, diced ๐ฅ
- 1/2 cup green sweet peppers, chopped ๐ซ
- 1/4 cup yellow sweet pepper, chopped ๐ถ๏ธ
- 2 green onions, sliced finely ๐ง
- Vegetable juice (use the amount you prefer to reach your desired consistency)
Nutritional Information ๐ฅ๐
- Calories: 242.9 kcal
- Fat: 6.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.4 g
- Cholesterol: 31.7 mg
- Sodium: 266.7 mg
- Carbohydrates: 29.2 g
- Fiber: 9.5 g
- Sugar: 7.2 g
- Protein: 17.9 g
Step-by-Step Instructions ๐ฅ๐
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Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, vegetable juice, diced ham, black beans, garbanzo beans, diced zucchini, chopped green and yellow sweet peppers, and sliced green onions. Give everything a good stir to ensure the ingredients are well mixed. ๐ ๐ฅ๐ซ -
Chill the Gazpacho:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. For best results, you can let it chill for up to 24 hours. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dish for busy days! โ๏ธโณ -
Serve and Enjoy:
When youโre ready to serve, give the gazpacho a final stir. If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can serve it with bottled hot pepper sauce on the side. Pour the chilled gazpacho into bowls and enjoy this refreshing dish. Perfect for a main-dish serving, this recipe makes 4 hearty portions. ๐ถ๏ธ๐ต
Tips for Perfect Gazpacho ๐ฅ๐
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Customizing the Heat: If youโre not a fan of hot and spicy food, feel free to use regular vegetable juice or even a reduced-sodium version. This allows you to control the flavor and make it as mild or zesty as you prefer. ๐ฟ๐ถ๏ธ
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Making Ahead: This gazpacho is perfect for meal prep! Combine all the ingredients, cover, and chill for 2 to 24 hours. Itโs ready whenever you are, making it a convenient and delicious option for busy days. ๐๐ฅ
Additional Serving Suggestions ๐ฝ๏ธโจ
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Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley on top just before serving can enhance the flavor and add a touch of color. ๐ฟ๐
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Serve with Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread on the side makes for a perfect accompaniment, adding a delightful texture contrast to the smooth gazpacho. ๐๐ฅ
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Pair with a Light Salad: For an even more substantial meal, pair your gazpacho with a light salad, such as a cucumber and avocado salad. This keeps the meal light, refreshing, and full of different textures. ๐ฅ๐ฅ
Storage Instructions ๐ฅกโ๏ธ
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Refrigeration: Store any leftover gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur. ๐ฒ๐
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Freezing: If you have a large batch, you can also freeze the gazpacho. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving. โ๏ธ๐ง
Final Thoughts ๐ญโค๏ธ
This Black Bean Gazpacho is not just a meal; itโs a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and nutrition. Whether youโre looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a refreshing starter, this gazpacho ticks all the boxes. Plus, with its make-ahead convenience and customizable heat level, itโs sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful dish, and remember, at Love With Recipes, we believe that every meal is an opportunity to share love and create lasting memories. ๐ ๐ซ๐
Happy Cooking! ๐ฒโค๏ธ
