Gazpacho

Oh summer, I love you for so many reasons! One of them is homegrown, flavourful tomatoes. Also the gazpacho that I can make with them.

This is the taste of summer. This is one of the recipes that makes me do a happy dance.

I fell in love with gazpacho on a trip to Spain a few years ago, and managed to eat it almost every day of my two-week stay there. It is refreshing and full of flavour. There are many different types; here are some: green gazpacho, watermelon gazpacho, and another tomato gazpacho that is very similar to this one. All are awesome, but this one is the easiest, I think.

This is so easy to make, and quite healthy too. I made a batch and kept it in the fridge for a few days. The amounts are estimates; do what seems right to you. It’s hard to go wrong. You can always add more of something if you need to.

What you need:

• 1 small cucumber
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 medium red onion
• 1/2 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 large sweet red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 2-3 tablespoons good quality extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 slice of white bread (I used a whole wheat French bread)
• salt to taste

What you do:

1. Soak the bread in water for a few minutes, then squeeze the water out.
2. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and add whatever you think you need.
3. Refrigerate for at least and hour before serving.
4. Serve topped with some chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, or a drizzle of olive oil.