Classic Andalusian Gazpacho: Refreshing Spanish Cold Soup Recipe

Andalusian Gazpacho Recipe (Gazpacho Andaluso) – A Refreshing Spanish Classic

Category: Appetizer
Servings: 4

Gazpacho Andaluso is a traditional Spanish cold soup that is perfect for hot summer days. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, tangy vinegar, and a touch of olive oil. The combination of ripe tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and onions makes for a refreshingly crisp dish. The addition of bread and eggs gives it richness and texture, while the crispy croutons and fresh vegetable garnish add a delightful crunch. This recipe is not only healthy but also simple to prepare, making it a great choice for any occasion.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the bread: Start by cutting off the crust from the stale bread and set it aside. You’ll use this later to make croutons for serving. Place the bread crumbs into a bowl, cover them with water, and add the white wine vinegar. Let the bread soak for about 15-20 minutes to soften.

2. Prepare the vegetables:

   • Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, cut them in half, and remove the inner seeds and pulp.
   • Peel the cucumbers and slice them into rounds.
   • Clean and de-seed the green and red bell peppers, then slice them into thin strips.
   • Peel and slice the red onions into thin rounds, and crush the garlic clove.

3. Blending the soup:

   • In a blender or food processor, combine the prepared vegetables—tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and garlic.
   • Add the extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste.
   • Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and thick.
   • If the mixture seems too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Strain the gazpacho:

   • To achieve a silky-smooth texture, pass the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or sieve. Use the back of a spoon to press the mixture through, ensuring that the pulp is separated from the liquid. Discard any skins or seeds that remain in the strainer.
   • Transfer the strained gazpacho back into the blender.

5. Add the soaked bread:

   • Squeeze any excess water from the soaked bread and add the softened bread crumbs to the blender with the gazpacho mixture.
   • Blend once more until the soup reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

6. Chill the gazpacho:

   • Pour the gazpacho into a large bowl or pitcher and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it is very cold. The flavors will meld together as it chills.

7. Prepare the garnishes:

   • While the gazpacho chills, prepare the garnishes.
   • Slice the cucumbers and tomatoes into small cubes, and chop the red onions finely.
   • Peel and hard-boil the eggs, then separate the yolks from the whites. Dice the egg whites and crumble the yolks.
   • Cut the reserved bread crusts into small cubes, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and toast them in the oven at 200°C (about 400°F) for 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.

8. Serve:

   • Once the gazpacho is chilled and ready, serve it in bowls or tall glasses.
   • Garnish each serving with the diced vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions), the toasted bread cubes, and the chopped hard-boiled eggs.
   • Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the top for added richness, and finish with a sprinkle of black pepper.

This Andalusian gazpacho is best enjoyed fresh and cold, making it the ideal dish for warm weather gatherings, picnics, or as a starter to any Mediterranean-inspired meal. The combination of creamy textures from the bread and eggs, the tang of vinegar, and the freshness of the vegetables will leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied. It’s a truly versatile dish that you can adjust to your taste, whether you like it spicier or milder, with more or less vinegar.

Tip: For extra flavor, let the gazpacho sit in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight—this will allow the flavors to develop even more.

Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Spain with this easy-to-make Andalusian Gazpacho!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredient substitutions or portion sizes.

This Andalusian Gazpacho recipe is a perfect addition to your collection of light, healthy meals, especially for those who love the fresh, crisp flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Serve it alongside some grilled seafood or a platter of Spanish tapas for a complete and satisfying meal.