Name: Delicious Chilled Tomato Gazpacho for Hot Days
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 2 pounds ripe red tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped; 1 Italian frying (cubanelle) pepper or similar long, light green pepper, cored, seeded, and roughly chopped; 1 large cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped; 1 small mild onion, peeled and roughly chopped; 1 clove garlic, peeled; 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar; Kosher salt, to taste; 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling and garnish

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Chilled Tomato Gazpacho is a vibrant, refreshing chilled tomato and cucumber creation that is emulsified to perfection. This dish is ideal for cooling down on warm days, making it a staple of summer dining. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy dish that embodies the essence of Spanish cuisine. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful soup!

Why You’ll Love This Chilled Tomato Gazpacho

This Chilled Tomato Gazpacho is not just any soup; it’s a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that offers numerous benefits. First, it’s incredibly refreshing, making it perfect for hot summer days. Second, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, making it a healthy choice. Third, this easy chilled tomato gazpacho can be prepared quickly, taking only about 20 minutes! Fourth, it’s vegan, catering to those with dietary restrictions. Fifth, you can customize the flavor with various herbs and spices. Finally, this Spanish gazpacho with tomatoes is visually appealing with its vibrant color, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Enjoy it as a chilled vegetable gazpacho or serve it as an appetizer.

Ingredients for Chilled Tomato Gazpacho

Gather these items:

2 pounds ripe red tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
1 Italian frying (cubanelle) pepper or similar long, light green pepper, cored, seeded, and roughly chopped
1 large cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
1 small mild onion, peeled and roughly chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
Kosher salt, to taste
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling and garnish

How to Make Chilled Tomato Gazpacho Step-by-Step

Step 1: Combine the cored and chunked tomatoes, cored and seeded pepper, peeled and chunked cucumber, peeled and chunked onion, and garlic clove in a high-speed blender or a deep bowl suitable for an immersion blender. If necessary, process in batches. Blend on high speed until the mixture is exceptionally smooth, for at least 2 minutes, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 2: While the blender motor is running, incorporate the sherry vinegar and 2 teaspoons of salt. Gradually drizzle in the 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil. The mixture will transform into a vibrant orange or deep pink hue, becoming smooth and emulsified with a consistency similar to a creamy salad dressing. If the texture remains too watery, continue to drizzle in additional olive oil until the desired creaminess is achieved.
Step 3: Pass the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or a food mill, using a rubber spatula or the back of a ladle to press all the liquid through thoroughly. Discard any remaining solids. Transfer the strained gazpacho to a large pitcher, preferably glass, and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, for a minimum of 6 hours or ideally overnight.
Step 4: Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and sherry vinegar as needed. If the gazpacho is excessively thick, stir in a few tablespoons of ice water to reach the desired consistency. Serve in individual glasses, optionally over ice, or in shallow bowls. A final drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil before serving adds a refined touch.

Delicious Chilled Tomato Gazpacho for Hot Days - Chilled Tomato Gazpacho - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chilled Tomato Gazpacho

Keep these in mind:

Chill the gazpacho overnight for best flavor.
Adjust seasoning to your preference.
For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Use the freshest ingredients for the best flavor and nutrition.

Best Ways to Serve Chilled Tomato Gazpacho

This soup can be served in various ways. Enjoy it in individual glasses as a refreshing drink or in shallow bowls. For added texture and flavor, consider topping it with chilled tomato and cucumber soup garnishes like diced cucumbers, croutons, or avocado slices. Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Chilled Tomato Gazpacho

Store any leftover gazpacho in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3-5 days. To enjoy it again, simply stir it up as the ingredients might settle. You can serve it chilled again; there’s no need to reheat this refreshing dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chilled Tomato Gazpacho

What’s the secret to perfect Chilled Tomato Gazpacho?

The secret lies in using the freshest ingredients and allowing it to chill overnight. This enhances the flavors and gives the soup a more robust taste, creating a truly refreshing tomato soup.

Can I make Chilled Tomato Gazpacho ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time is recommended as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Prepare it a day before serving for the best results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chilled Tomato Gazpacho?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you blend the ingredients until smooth and adjust the seasoning before serving. If it’s too thick, add a little ice water to reach your desired consistency.

Delicious Chilled Tomato Gazpacho for Hot Days - Chilled Tomato Gazpacho - additional detail

Variations of Chilled Tomato Gazpacho You Can Try

There are plenty of ways to customize your gazpacho! Consider making a chilled vegetable gazpacho by adding bell peppers or carrots. For a twist, try a chilled tomato gazpacho with herbs like basil or cilantro. You can also experiment with fruits like watermelon for a sweet summer version!

For more information on the health benefits of tomatoes, check out this Healthline article. If you’re interested in more recipes, visit our latest recipes page for inspiration. Additionally, learn how to make creamy tomato soup for a comforting dish.