Chef John’s Gazpacho
Chef John’s Gazpacho is a cool, creamy, and refreshing tomato-based soup made from fresh vegetables blended with olive oil and vinegar. It’s the ultimate summer dish — vibrant, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor. Perfect as a starter or a light lunch.
Ingredients
- 6 ripe tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 cup cold water (adjust for consistency)
- Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or cilantro) for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Vegetables: Place tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onion, and garlic in a blender or food processor.
- Blend: Pulse until smooth but still slightly textured, depending on preference.
- Add Seasoning: Add olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar. Blend again until creamy and well combined.
- Adjust Consistency: Add cold water a little at a time until the desired texture is achieved.
- Chill: Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Serve: Stir before serving and garnish with diced vegetables, olive oil drizzle, or herbs.
Notes
- Use the ripest, sweetest tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust the thickness with water or ice cubes as desired.
- For a smooth version, strain the soup through a fine sieve before chilling.
- The soup tastes even better after resting overnight in the fridge.
- Add a touch of hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy kick.