Classic Gazpacho (A toppings bar makes it a meal-or a party!)

By Ann Fulton

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A selection of toppings turns this classic summer soup into a filling meal. Simple advance prep makes it ideal for casual entertaining and easy weeknight meals alike, and the flavor improves over time!

 

While living in Spain for six months many years ago, I was told that when the weather gets hot, even a Spaniard with the heartiest of appetites would reject rib-sticking fare in favor of a refreshing, icy gazpacho.

It’s true that lighter cuisine often hits the spot when temperatures rise, but many of us still require a serving of protein to make a meal feel complete. My time in Spain gave me an appreciation for the traditional red gazpacho that originated in Andalucia, but the cook in me has enjoyed tinkering with the recipe. My version retains the classic elements while offering options that make it filling enough for a family dinner and worthy of entertaining.

Even in Spain, the recipe for gazpacho varies from region to region and cook to cook.  So, feel free to use this recipe as a framework, adding your own splashes of flavor and texture based on personal preference and what might be lurking in your crisper drawer…or growing in your garden.  Though the recipe below might look long, that’s only because I offer lots of options.  The recipe is truly as easy as it is fresh and flavorful.  The make-ahead factor is a bonus.

Traditional gazpacho often contains a hearty dose of bread and olive oil to make the soup thick and velvety.  I forego the bread in the soup and offer it as an optional topping in the way of a crouton.  While I do include olive oil, the amount is modest–enough to carry the flavor without turning an ostensibly light meal into a secretly calorie-laden one.  Cumin is a classic addition to gazpacho heralding from Grenada, and I find that just a touch offers a flavor that people enjoy yet can’t quite identity.

Sometimes referred to as “liquid salad,” gazpacho was traditionally pressed through a cone-shaped, metal sieve with a pestle.  (I still have an old one that belonged to my grandmother.)  Purists claim that this makes superior gazpacho, but many–including myself–prefer a bit of chunkiness and a simpler approach.

The special secret to creating a heartier meal that’s still light and healthy? Offer a toppings bar that adds some unexpected choices to the typical lineup and turns this rustic seasonal meal into a make-ahead centerpiece for entertaining.

A selection of toppings turns this classic summer soup into a filling meal. Simple advance prep makes it ideal for casual entertaining and easy weeknight meals alike...and the flavor improves over time!

The prep is quite easy and, conveniently, is best done a day–even two–in advance…

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Puree the vegetables first, transfer to a bowl, and then puree the tomatoes. This allows you to better control the texture of the soup.

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Pulse the cucumber mixture until it is finely chopped but not pureed.  Next, I puree the tomatoes until they are smooth, although you may keep the tomatoes a little chunkier if you prefer. There is no need to peel or seed the tomatoes. Any good, in-season tomato will do, but plum tomatoes are the least watery, so I like to use at least some of them if available.

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Refrigerate the gazpacho for a few hours or, for best flavor, 24 to 48 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop. The soup is delightful as is. However, the addition of toppings will make it a heartier meal that, in my experience, offers broader appeal. (Always fun to mix in some old photos!)

Crab and avocado may just be my personal favorite. Eggs and capers and a simple version of tzatziki sauce using Greek yogurt are delicious, too.

Crab and avocado may just be my personal favorite topping combination. Whichever mix you choose, be sure to chop the add-ins into bite-size pieces or smaller.

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Gazpacho–a simple, seasonal, prep-ahead soup. A toppings bar makes it a meal…or a party!

Classic Gazpacho with a toppings bar

Which toppings would you choose? 🙂

A selection of toppings turns this classic summer soup into a filling meal. Simple advance prep makes it ideal for casual entertaining and easy weeknight meals alike...and the flavor improves over time!
Classic Gazpacho (with optional toppings bar)
A toppings bar where everyone can choose his or her favorite add-ins is always a hit. To keep it simple, consider offering two or three of your favorites along with one of the proteins mentioned.

Yield: approximately 6 cups
Ingredients
  • 2 1/2 pounds vine-ripened tomatoes cups* (about 5 cups; no need to peel or seed)
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and seeded
  • 1 bell pepper, seeds removed (green is traditional but any color or a mix is fine)
  • 1 small red onion (about 5 ounces) or 1/2 a large onion, peeled
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled** (or more to taste)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (a fruity variety is nice, but use what you have)
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (I recommend a good quality vinegar)
  • 2 teaspoons kosher or sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (offers good flavor without heat)
  • Traditional topping options:  croutons, chopped cucumber, green pepper, tomato, and onion
  • Topping options to make it a meal (or a party): cooked shrimp, lump crabmeat, chopped cooked chicken, chopped hard-boiled eggs, chopped avocado, sliced green olives, slivered toasted almonds, fresh herbs, Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce, lemon/lime/orange wedges and/or zest (see my favorite combinations, below)
Instructions
  1. Roughly chop the cucumber, pepper, onion, and garlic. Place all of these vegetables in the bowl of a food processor. (I put the chopped garlic on top so it is less likely to get stuck under the blade.) Pulse to finely chop the vegetables, scraping down the sides once or twice. Do not puree. You want a little texture. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
  2. Roughly chop the tomatoes, and place in the food processor. (No need to rinse the work bowl.) Puree until smooth. (You can keep a little chunkiness to the tomatoes if you like, but I like to keep this part on the smoother side.) Add to the cucumber mixture.
  3. Stir in the olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, cumin, sugar, and cayenne pepper. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or, ideally, overnight.
  4. Serve with desired toppings.
Notes
  • *Where the tomatoes are concerned, the fresher the better and any kind will work. I like to include at least some plum (Roma) tomatoes, as they are naturally less liquidy and will create a thicker sauce (or, in this case, soup).
  • **For a smoother garlic taste, remove the green root that is often present on a garlic clove.
  • If you prefer gazpacho that is completely smooth, you may pass it through a fine-mesh strainer.
RECOMMENDED TOPPING COMBINATIONS
  • –Classic: Green pepper, red onion, and cucumber
  • –Crabmeat, avocado, and roasted corn
  • –Shrimp, feta cheese, and green olives
  • –Hard-boiled egg, capers, and red onion
  • –Plain Greek yogurt (or your favorite tzatziki sauce), cucumber, chopped almonds, and lemon zest
  • Extra note:  I have made this recipe many times over the years but prepared it last summer using all grape tomatoes–thanks to a rather prolific plant in our garden.  Because the miniature tomatoes are so sweet, I nearly doubled the amount of red wine vinegar. (Do make any adjustments to the vinegar slowly.) After the flavors melded for a day, it was delicious. As is typical with gazpacho, it tasted even better after two days.  The recipe, written as is, is a keeper.  I mention simply as an option for those who find themselves with a whole lot of grape tomatoes!
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Comments

    1. Ann Post author

      I often top the bowls with some seafood for complementary protein, Karen. Stirring some tuna into the soup sounds delicious to me!

      Reply
  1. Elisabeth

    Great recipe!
    My favourite toppings are tuna and some extra chopped tomatoes and cucumber. Best food for warm spring and summer days and great for taking to work for lunch 🙂

    Reply
    1. Ann Post author

      Thank you, Elisabeth, and I might just add tuna the next time. Wonderful (and convenient) suggestion!

      Reply
  2. Abby Post author

    I made this two nights ago and it was delicious. We had the leftovers last night and it was delicious times ten! Great recipe and very easy to make. Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Todd Schaeber

    Ann that looks awesome and the timing couldn’t be better during this heat wave. I will definitely give this a try and the topping bar is a great idea!

    Reply
    1. Ann Post author

      Thanks, Todd! The toppings really make it a meal and anything cold is sure to taste better in this heat. Stay cool!

      Reply
    1. Ann

      I’m so glad, Amie. I don’t typically gravitate towards cold soups but I adore this one. My kids even love it!

      Reply
  4. Cami

    I made this yesterday and it was excellent. I added a sprinkle of cayenne for a little heat but did everything else according to the recipe. A new summertime staple!

    Reply
    1. Ann

      Cayenne is a great addition, Cami. On occasion, I blend in a jalapeño pepper and leave some of the seeds for a little heat.

      Reply
  5. alicelynne

    Just made it for dinner tonight. Delicious recipe for those prolific tomatoes. Will be chopping some items for toppings!

    Reply
    1. Ann

      That’s terrific, Alicelynne. And if you like it just after making, I think you’ll love it after a few hours go by. The flavors just keep getting better!

      Reply