Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish cold soup that is perfect for hot summer days. This refreshing dish combines fresh vegetables and a handful of pantry staples for a healthy, flavourful meal. It's easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients.
Most of the ingredients for this gazpacho recipe are common and can be found easily in your local supermarket. However, sherry vinegar may not be as readily available. It's a type of vinegar made from sherry wine, usually found in the vinegar aisle or international food section. Its unique flavour adds depth to the gazpacho, but if you can't find it, a good substitute would be red wine vinegar.
Essential Ingredients for Healthy Homemade Gazpacho
Tomato: The base of gazpacho, providing a refreshing and tangy flavour.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet, slightly fruity flavor to the soup.
Onion: Gives the dish a pungent flavor and aroma.
Cucumber: Adds a crisp, refreshing taste and texture.
Bread: Used to thicken the soup and give it body.
Garlic: Adds a robust, savory layer.
Oil: Olive oil is typically used, bringing richness and depth.
Sherry vinegar: This vinegar is tangy and slightly sweet, adding complexity to the gazpacho.
Water: Serves to adjust the consistency of the soup.
Cumin: A warm spice that adds a hint of earthiness.
Salt: Enhances the flavour of all the other ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity.
One reader, Hildegarde Coyle says:
This healthy homemade gazpacho recipe is a game-changer! It's so refreshing and packed with flavor. The combination of fresh veggies and herbs makes it a perfect summer treat. Plus, it's super easy to make and guilt-free. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Healthy Homemade Gazpacho
How to prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the tomatoes, red bell pepper, onion, and cucumber into small pieces.
How to make the bread slice: Cut the bread into small cubes.
How to blend the ingredients: Place all the prepared vegetables, bread, garlic, oil, sherry vinegar, cold water, cumin, salt, and pepper into a blender and blend until smooth.
How to chill the gazpacho: Refrigerate the blended mixture until it reaches the desired chilliness.
How to serve: Pour the chilled gazpacho into bowls and serve.
How To Make Homemade Gazpacho (Cold Vegetable Soup)
This Gazpacho or vegetable soup is a healthy dish filled with the goodness of tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, and seasonings best served and enjoyed cold.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbtomato,beefsteak, or roma
- 1red bell pepper,chopped
- ½onion,chopped
- ⅓cucumber,,peeled, chopped
- 1slicebread,chopped, preferably stale
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- ⅓cupoil
- 1tbspsherry vinegar,or red wine vinegar
- 1cupcold water
- 1pinchcumin,optional
- salt,to taste
- pepper,to taste
Instructions
-
Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
-
Refrigerate to make the soup as chilly as preferred.
-
Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 247.07kcal
- Fat: 19.04g
- Saturated Fat: 1.50g
- Trans Fat: 0.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.63g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.46g
- Carbohydrates: 18.02g
- Fiber: 4.37g
- Sugar: 8.76g
- Protein: 3.67g
- Sodium: 904.82mg
- Calcium: 54.06mg
- Potassium: 698.10mg
- Iron: 1.28mg
- Vitamin A: 143.55µg
- Vitamin C: 71.64mg
Key Technique Tip for Perfecting Homemade Gazpacho
To ensure a smoother consistency in your gazpacho, consider peeling and deseeding your tomatoes and cucumber before blending. This step can help to eliminate any unwanted texture in the soup. Additionally, soaking the bread in a bit of water before adding it to the blender can help it blend more easily and contribute to a creamier texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Gazpacho
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop and blend ingredients for the gazpacho.
Chill ingredients: Pre-chill the vegetables and bread before blending to reduce the time needed for the gazpacho to cool in the refrigerator.
Multi-task: While the gazpacho is chilling, use that time to prepare a complementary dish or clean up the kitchen.
Organize ingredients: Lay out all the ingredients and utensils in an organized manner before starting to cook for a more efficient process.
Quick soak: Instead of refrigerating, soak the bread in cold water for a few minutes to soften it before blending.
Substitute Ingredients For Healthy Homemade Gazpacho Recipe
tomato - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers can provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor as tomatoes, and they also add a vibrant color to the gazpacho.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a slightly sweeter flavor and can add a pop of color to the gazpacho.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots have a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, and they can add a subtle depth of flavor to the gazpacho.
cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can provide a similar refreshing and slightly sweet flavor as cucumber, and it adds a creamy texture to the gazpacho.
bread - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to bread, adding a nutty flavor and thickening the gazpacho.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for mincing or crushing cloves.
oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil is a healthier alternative to traditional oils, adding a rich, buttery flavor to the gazpacho.
sherry vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar offers a slightly milder and fruitier flavor compared to sherry vinegar, complementing the other ingredients in the gazpacho.
cumin - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, adding depth and complexity to the gazpacho.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a healthier alternative to table salt, providing a clean, briny flavor to the gazpacho.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick to the gazpacho, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
Essential Tools for Making Gazpacho at Home
Blender: A blender is used to puree and blend the ingredients together to create a smooth gazpacho soup.
Refrigerator: The refrigerator is used to chill the gazpacho soup to the desired temperature before serving.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Gazpacho
Once the gazpacho has cooled down completely, transfer it to an airtight container or a large bowl covered with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and intensify.
Gazpacho can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur.
If you want to freeze gazpacho, pour it into freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen gazpacho, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. Once thawed, give it a good stir or blend it again to restore its smooth consistency.
Keep in mind that the texture of the soup may change slightly after freezing and thawing, as the vegetables may become softer. However, the flavor should remain delicious.
If you prefer a thicker consistency after thawing, you can add some fresh diced tomatoes, cucumber, or bell pepper to the soup before serving.
For the best quality and flavor, consume the thawed gazpacho within 2-3 days.
How to Reheat Leftover Gazpacho
- Gazpacho is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended as it may alter the flavor and texture of the soup. However, if you prefer your gazpacho slightly warmer, you can try the following methods:
- Remove the desired portion of gazpacho from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This will take the chill off the soup without significantly changing its taste or consistency.
- If you want to warm the gazpacho slightly, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on low power for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals, until it reaches your preferred temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the vegetables to lose their crisp texture and the flavors to become muted.
- For a gentler approach, place the desired portion of gazpacho in a small saucepan and heat it over low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method allows for more control over the heating process, reducing the risk of overheating and preserving the soup's original taste and texture.
- Remember that gazpacho is meant to be a refreshing, chilled soup, so reheating should be done sparingly and with care to maintain its intended flavor profile and texture.
Random Fact About Gazpacho
Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish cold soup that originated in the Andalusian region. It is typically made with fresh, raw vegetables and is a great source of vitamins and minerals. This healthy homemade gazpacho recipe is a perfect way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your diet, providing a refreshing and nutritious dish. It's also a great option for those looking to enjoy a light and flavorful meal during hot summer days.
Is Making Gazpacho at Home Cost-Effective?
This healthy homemade gazpacho recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With simple and readily available ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers, it offers a budget-friendly option. The use of seasonal produce and basic pantry staples keeps the cost low. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-12. Overall, this recipe scores an 8/10 for its affordability and nutritional value.
Is This Gazpacho Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The gazpacho recipe is a healthy choice for several reasons:
- It's packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and cucumbers, providing a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- The recipe uses a moderate amount of healthy oil, likely olive oil, which is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
- It's low in calories and fat, making it a great option for those watching their weight or trying to maintain a balanced diet.
- The recipe is free from added sugars and relies on the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved:
- The bread, depending on the type used, may add unnecessary refined carbohydrates and calories. Opting for whole-grain bread or omitting it altogether could make the recipe even healthier.
- The salt content is not specified, so it's important to use salt in moderation to keep sodium levels in check.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this gazpacho recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Add more variety of vegetables, such as celery, carrots, or leafy greens like spinach or kale, to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Include a protein source, such as cooked shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, or tofu, to make the soup more satiating and balanced
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, like basil, cilantro, or smoked paprika, to add depth of flavor without relying on salt
- Use whole-grain bread or crackers as a garnish for added texture and fiber, or skip them entirely for a lighter option
- Drizzle with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving to enhance the flavor and provide additional healthy fats
Editor's Thoughts on This Healthy Gazpacho Recipe
This gazpacho recipe is a refreshing and healthy option for a light summer meal. The combination of fresh tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, and garlic creates a vibrant and flavorful base. The addition of sherry vinegar and cumin adds depth and complexity to the soup. The use of cold water and refrigeration ensures a refreshing and chilled gazpacho. However, I would recommend adjusting the amount of oil to suit personal preferences and dietary needs. Overall, this recipe is a delightful and nutritious choice for a warm-weather dish.
Enhance Your Healthy Homemade Gazpacho Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Healthy Homemade Gazpacho Recipe:
This gazpacho recipe uses fresh, wholesome tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, ensuring maximum flavor and nutrition. The addition of sherry vinegar and garlic enhances the taste, while the use of cold water maintains a refreshing consistency. The inclusion of cumin adds a subtle depth of flavor, and the bread acts as a natural thickener. With a balanced blend of oil and seasonings, this recipe promises a delightful, healthy soup that can be enjoyed with confidence.
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