Traditional Gazpacho – Perfect for Summer!

I’m still on a Spanish food kick. And with hot weather upon us, eating hot foods isn’t always appealing. That’s where traditional Gazpacho comes in and saves the day. Even those who think they don’t like soup – particularly vegetable soup, will change their minds once they’ve tried a sip of this yummy gazpacho.

This basic version is what you’d find if you were traveling around Spain. But, basic does not mean boring, in fact, it is chock full of flavor. But, what is even better about this cold soup, is that it’s filling and can be used as a main course, or just serve a little half cup or so for a delicious appetizer. Enjoy!

What  you’ll need:
- 10 oz of bread
- 21 oz. of tomato
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 onions
- 2 red and green peppers
- 1 cucumber (optional)
- 7 Tbsp of oil
- 2 Tbsp of vinegar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp of water
- Cumin (optional)

What to do:
In a big mortar mash the cumin, the garlic and the soaked bread. Then, in a plastic bowl mix the chopped onion, the chopped tomato, the oil, the vinegar, the salt and the contents of the mortar. Mash it with the mixer and add very cold water to mix everything. Add salt and strain it. Keep it in the fridge until served.

Serve with the tomato, the cucumber, the pepper and the toasted bread cut up. You can sprinkle these toppings on each serving of soup, or serve them in small bowls and let your guests pick which toppings they want to put on the soup.

This easy appetizer recipe serves 4.