Roasted Garlic Gazpacho is a refreshing summertime soup with a rich depth of flavor from roasted garlic. This cold soup hails from Spain and is a delightful blend of fresh summer produce with a flavorful twist.
The key ingredient for this recipe that might not be a common pantry staple is the vine-ripened tomatoes. While canned tomatoes can be used in a pinch for many recipes, for this gazpacho, the flavor of fresh, ripe tomatoes is essential. When you are at the supermarket, look for tomatoes that are brightly colored and feel heavy for their size.
Ingredients for Roasted Garlic Gazpacho
Garlic: Garlic is the star of this dish. It is roasted to bring out its sweet, mellow flavor.
Vine-ripened tomatoes: These are the base of the gazpacho. They provide a fresh, tangy flavor.
Red bell peppers: These add a bit of sweetness and crunch to the soup.
Cucumber: Cucumber adds a refreshing note to the gazpacho.
Tomato juice: This enhances the tomato flavor in the soup.
Extra virgin olive oil: This brings everything together and adds a rich, smooth texture.
Red wine vinegar: This adds a bit of tanginess to balance the flavors.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavors of the soup.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat.
Tabasco: This is optional, but it can add a nice kick to the soup.
One reader, Aurlie Martins says:
This roasted garlic gazpacho recipe is a game-changer! The roasted garlic adds a rich, smoky flavor that takes the gazpacho to a whole new level. The combination of fresh vegetables and tangy tomato juice creates a refreshing and satisfying dish. It's a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and healthy eating.
Techniques for Making Roasted Garlic Gazpacho
How to roast garlic: Roasting garlic involves cooking unpeeled garlic cloves in a skillet over medium heat until they are soft and blackened in spots, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Once cooled, the skins can be easily removed, and any charred bits can be scraped off.
How to make gazpacho: Gazpacho is a cold soup that is typically made by blending together fresh vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers with tomato juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and tabasco. The soup should be slightly chunky, and it's best served cold after chilling.
How To Make Roasted Garlic Gazpacho
Savory and rich garlic gazpacho is a classic Spanish cold soup, that’s loaded with hearty veggies like bell peppers and tomatoes, for a more flavorful side!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 8garlic cloves,unpeeled
- 4large tomatoes,vine-ripened, cored, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 2red bell peppers,cored, seeded, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1English cucumber,or hothouse, halved, seeded, cut into 1-inch chunks, do not peel
- 5cupstomato juice
- ¼cupextra virgin olive oil
- ¼cupred wine vinegar
- 1½tspsalt
- ½tspfreshly ground black pepper
- ½tspTabasco,optional
Instructions
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Place the unpeeled garlic cloves in a small skillet over medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally, for about 10 to 15 minutes, until soft and blackened in spots.
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Cool, then remove skins and scrape off any char.
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Add the peeled roasted garlic to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade; pulse, scraping down sides as necessary, until garlic is finely puréed. Add the chopped tomatoes and pulse until coarsely chopped. Do not overmix.
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Transfer the tomato mixture to an extra large bowl. Add the red bell peppers and cucumbers to the food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped; add to the bowl with the tomato mixture.
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Stir in the tomato juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper and Tabasco. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Cover the bowl with saran wrap and chill until ready to serve.
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Serve cold, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 120.48kcal
- Fat: 7.50g
- Saturated Fat: 1.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.96g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.86g
- Carbohydrates: 12.62g
- Fiber: 2.44g
- Sugar: 7.85g
- Protein: 2.72g
- Sodium: 729.69mg
- Calcium: 37.80mg
- Potassium: 647.21mg
- Iron: 1.18mg
- Vitamin A: 116.09µg
- Vitamin C: 157.03mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Roasted Garlic Gazpacho
When roasting garlic, it's important to keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning. The goal is to achieve a soft texture and a slightly blackened exterior. This process enhances the natural sweetness of the garlic, while reducing its pungency. The charred bits add a smoky flavor to the gazpacho, but be careful not to overdo it as it can turn bitter. Also, when blending the ingredients, remember to pulse instead of blending continuously. This will help maintain a slightly chunky texture, which is characteristic of a traditional gazpacho.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and roast the garlic, tomatoes, red bell peppers, and cucumber the night before. This will save time and make the gazpacho preparation quicker.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables and blend the ingredients together, saving time and effort.
Chill in advance: Make the gazpacho a day ahead and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop, saving time on the day of serving.
Buy pre-made tomato juice: Save time by using store-bought tomato juice instead of juicing fresh tomatoes.
Double the batch: Make a larger quantity and freeze the extra gazpacho in individual portions for quick and easy meals in the future.
Substitute Ingredients For Roasted Garlic Gazpacho Recipe
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garlic – Substitute with roasted shallots: Roasted shallots have a similar sweet and mild flavor to roasted garlic, and they can add a depth of flavor to the gazpacho without the pungency of raw garlic.
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vine-ripened tomatoes – Substitute with canned fire-roasted tomatoes: Canned fire-roasted tomatoes can provide a smoky and intense flavor similar to roasted vine-ripened tomatoes, adding depth to the gazpacho.
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red bell peppers – Substitute with roasted red bell peppers: Roasting red bell peppers intensifies their sweetness and adds a smoky flavor, which can enhance the overall depth of the gazpacho.
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cucumber – Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can provide a similar mild and refreshing flavor to cucumber, adding a subtle freshness to the gazpacho.
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tomato juice – Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add depth and flavor to the gazpacho, similar to tomato juice, while also providing a savory undertone.
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extra virgin olive oil – Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild, buttery flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra virgin olive oil in the gazpacho.
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red wine vinegar – Substitute with sherry vinegar: Sherry vinegar can provide a similar tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the gazpacho, enhancing its overall acidity and depth.
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salt – Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity to the gazpacho, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
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black pepper – Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a smoky and slightly spicy flavor similar to black pepper, enhancing the depth of the gazpacho.
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tabasco – Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can provide a similar level of heat and tangy flavor to the gazpacho, adding a spicy kick and depth to the dish.
Presentation Tips for Roasted Garlic Gazpacho
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Elevate the gazpacho with a stunning presentation: Start by using a chilled, elegant soup tureen or individual serving bowls to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the gazpacho. The presentation should be clean, sophisticated, and visually appealing.
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Garnish with precision: Carefully place a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil on the surface of the gazpacho, creating a beautiful pattern. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness.
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Incorporate texture: Add a delicate crunch by garnishing with small croutons or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. This will provide a contrast to the smoothness of the gazpacho and add an element of surprise to each bite.
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Consider the serving vessels: For an upscale touch, consider serving the gazpacho in chilled martini glasses or coupes for a modern and elegant presentation. The choice of vessel can enhance the overall dining experience.
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Artful drizzling: Use a squeeze bottle to create a decorative swirl of balsamic reduction on the surface of the gazpacho. This adds a touch of sophistication and depth of flavor to the dish.
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Attention to detail: Pay close attention to the rim of the serving vessel, ensuring it is clean and free of any drips or smudges. This level of detail reflects professionalism and care in the presentation of the dish.
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Balance and symmetry: Arrange any additional garnishes such as cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or microgreens with precision, creating a balanced and visually appealing composition that complements the flavors of the gazpacho.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Gazpacho
- Cutting board: A flat, sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife for slicing, dicing, and chopping.
- Food processor: Ideal for blending and pureeing ingredients, such as the roasted garlic and vegetables in the gazpacho recipe.
- Skillet: Used for roasting the garlic cloves until soft and blackened in spots.
- Large bowl: For mixing and combining the gazpacho ingredients.
- Saran wrap: Used to cover and refrigerate the gazpacho before serving.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients such as olive oil, red wine vinegar, and spices.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Gazpacho
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This gazpacho can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors will meld and improve over time, making it even more delicious on the second or third day.
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If you have leftovers or want to make a large batch for future meals, you can easily freeze this roasted garlic gazpacho. Pour the soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion.
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Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, then place them in the freezer. The gazpacho will keep well for up to 3 months.
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When you're ready to enjoy the frozen gazpacho, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving, as some separation may occur during the freezing and thawing process.
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If you find that the texture of the gazpacho has changed slightly after freezing and thawing, you can blend it briefly with an immersion blender or in a regular blender to restore its smooth consistency.
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For best results, consume the thawed gazpacho within 3-4 days. Do not refreeze the soup once it has been thawed, as this can affect its quality and texture.
Interesting Trivia About Gazpacho
The roasted garlic gazpacho recipe is a delicious and refreshing summer dish. It combines the rich, mellow flavor of roasted garlic with the freshness of vine-ripened tomatoes, red bell peppers, and cucumber. This chilled soup is perfect for hot days and can be prepared in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify. The addition of tabasco gives it a subtle kick, while the olive oil and red wine vinegar add depth and complexity. Gazpacho is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a light meal, making it a great option for entertaining or a quick, healthy lunch.
Budget-Friendly Roasted Garlic Gazpacho
This roasted garlic gazpacho recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers, are generally affordable and readily available. The use of simple and fresh ingredients makes it a budget-friendly option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-20, making it an economical choice for a flavorful and nutritious meal. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is Roasted Garlic Gazpacho Healthy?
This roasted garlic gazpacho recipe is a healthy and refreshing summer soup. Here's why:
- Nutrient-dense ingredients: The recipe is packed with nutritious vegetables like tomatoes, red bell peppers, and cucumber, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Heart-healthy fats: The extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Low in calories: This gazpacho is relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight or looking for a light meal.
- No added sugars: The recipe relies on the natural sweetness of the vegetables and doesn't include any added sugars, which is a plus for overall health.
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe, or replace it with a low-sodium alternative to help lower the overall sodium content.
- Add more vegetables to the mix, such as celery, zucchini, or carrots, to increase the fiber content and provide a wider range of nutrients.
- Include a handful of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro to boost the flavor and add extra antioxidants.
- Serve the gazpacho with a side of whole-grain bread or crackers to provide complex carbohydrates and additional fiber.
Editor's Take: Roasted Garlic Gazpacho Recipe Review
The roasted garlic gazpacho recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The roasted garlic adds a rich, mellow depth to the soup, while the combination of vine-ripened tomatoes, red bell peppers, and cucumber provides a refreshing and vibrant base. The addition of tomato juice, olive oil, and red wine vinegar enhances the overall complexity, and the hint of tabasco adds a subtle kick. This gazpacho is a perfect balance of savory and tangy, and the chilling process allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It's a wonderful dish to enjoy on a warm day or as a refreshing starter to any meal.
Enhance Your Roasted Garlic Gazpacho Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Discover Delightful Alternatives to Traditional Gazpacho
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Why trust this Roasted Garlic Gazpacho Recipe:
This roasted garlic gazpacho recipe offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The slow-roasted garlic infuses a rich, mellow undertone, while the vibrant tomatoes, red bell peppers, and cucumbers provide a refreshing and satisfying crunch. The use of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar elevates the taste, and the addition of tabasco adds a subtle kick. With its careful balance of ingredients and meticulous preparation, this gazpacho promises a delightful and invigorating culinary experience, earning the trust of discerning home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
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