Got the blues? Get in the kitchen and make some gazpacho.
Seriously.
In cooler weather, when life has got me down, my culinary pick-me-up is my tomato soup. However, with temperatures currently hitting triple digits here in Texas hot tomato soup just doesn’t seem right.
Now I’ve discovered gazapacho– my summertime blues buster.
Stick with me on this one because I know what you’re thinking– “cold soup as comfort food?”
I thought that, too.
First, the whole preparation process is incredibly therapeutic. There is some prep time required and taking the time to chop and prep the veggies gets the mind off of troubles and focused on the task at hand.
Creating something delicious is a great distraction.
It takes some time and patience to bring it all together, but it’s well worth the wait because the first taste of home made fresh gazpacho is very soul-satisfying. Cool, refreshing, healthy and delicious it’s the perfect summertime pick-me-up.
Fresh Tomato Gazpacho
from Bon Appetit, August 2001
from Bon Appetit, August 2001
- 2 pounds large tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 pound country-style bread, crust removed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded, diced
- 1 cup chopped peeled cucumber
- 1 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup water
Working over bowl, gently squeeze tomato halves to release seeds and juices. Strain juices, pressing on solids to extract as much juice as possible (about 1/2 cup). Discard seeds. Chop tomatoes. Transfer chopped tomatoes and tomato juices to large glass bowl. Add next 9 ingredients. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour.
Working in batches, puree gazpacho with 1 cup water in a blender until smooth. Pour gazpacho into a mesh strainer set over a large bowl. Press on solids to extract as much soup as possible. Season with salt and pepper. Chill at least 2 hours and up to 1 day. Serve cold.
Mardi @eatlivetravelwrite says
This is a gorgeous looking gazpacho – cumin is a great addition!
Hester Casey @ Alchemy in the Kitchen says
I will be making this as soon as my tomatoes are ripe. I absolutely LOVE gazpacho.
foodinnewengland says
I could have used this this weekend…. looks fantastic! Love the cumin!
Lisa Orgler says
A delightful soup for this hot summer!
German Mama says
I always love a good gazpacho recipe. I like the addition of cumin in this one.