Yield: Serves 6
Time: 30 minutes
There is hardly a more perfect summer dish than Gazpacho. This isn’t the watered-down grainy vegetable puree that is often served in the US. This version is based on the classic Andalusian recipe, but I add a few TB touches. Make a large batch and keep a pitcher in the fridge so you can have a quick snack or light lunch as is the custom in Spain. You can leave the bread out to make it gluten-free.
Ingredients
2 pounds ripe heirloom tomatoes
10 oz watermelon
10 oz peeled cucumber
31/2 oz green Italian frying peppers or green bell pepper
1 cup extra version olive oil
2-3 med cloves of peeled garlic (3oz)
2 tablespoons kosher salt
3 oz fresh white bread, crust removed
3 tablespoons sherry vinegar
2 teaspoons Italian fish sauce-optional (fermented anchovy sauce available on amazon)
1 teaspoon Calabrian chili- optional (available on Amazon)
1 cup croutons
Preparation
1.Cut all the vegetables and bread into 2” pieces, place in a large bowl. Add 1/3 cup of olive oil and the remaining ingredients. Let sit at room temperature for 2 hours, mixing occasionally.
2. Place all the ingredients in a blender, start on slow speed gradually increasing to high, slowly pour in olive oil in a steady stream. The soup will become smooth and emulsified.
3. Strain the gazpacho through a fine-mesh strainer or food mill, pushing the liquid through with a paddle or back of a spoon. (this is optional)
4. Chill until very cold, about 5 hours.
5. Serve in a bowl or glasses, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, and top with croutons, serve.
Croutons
1. Cut white bread into 1/4” squares to equal 1 cup. Sauté in olive oil over med heat until golden brown and crispy. Season with salt, drain on paper towels.
Notes:
Use very ripe tomatoes, the farmer markets sometimes have what they call seconds, which are tomatoes that are slightly damaged or a bit overripe, these are perfect for the gazpacho and they will cost less. Try serving as an hors d'oeuvre in shot glasses, garnish with a half cherry tomato on a toothpick.
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