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Fresh Tomato Gazpacho

This vibrant cold soup is made by peeling, chopping, and blending ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers into a smooth or chunky mixture. The process highlights fresh ingredients and tactile techniques, resulting in a refreshing, slightly chunky or silky soup with a bright, vinegary flavor and crisp texture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Spanish
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large ripe tomatoes preferably fragrant and vine-ripened
  • 2 medium cucumbers seedless or peeled if waxed
  • 1 red or yellow bell pepper remove seeds and core
  • 1-2 cloves garlic minced finely
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar red wine or sherry vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • to taste salt start with a pinch and adjust
  • to taste pepper freshly cracked

Equipment

  • Paring knife
  • Cutting board
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Bowl

Method
 

  1. Peel the tomatoes by scoring a small 'X' at the bottom of each, then blanch in boiling water for 15 seconds before transferring to cold water; the skins should slip off easily.
  2. Gently peel the skin off each tomato with your fingers or a paring knife, revealing the soft flesh underneath.
  3. Rinse the peeled tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell pepper under cold water, then drain well.
  4. Chop the peeled tomatoes into chunks, removing core and stem bits; do the same with cucumbers and bell pepper.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, and minced garlic into a blender or bowl.
  6. Pour in the vinegar and olive oil, then season with a pinch of salt and some freshly cracked pepper.
  7. Blend everything until smooth for a silky texture, or pulse briefly for a chunkier consistency, as preferred.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more vinegar, salt, or pepper if needed—this is the moment to brighten or mellow the flavors.
  9. Transfer the gazpacho to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and chill thoroughly.
  10. Stir the chilled soup gently, then serve in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh herbs if desired.
  11. Enjoy this refreshing, vibrant gazpacho on a hot day or as a light appetizer with crusty bread.