viagra useful siteGazpacho is a quintessential soup for the dog days of summer. For me, sipping a big bowlful is an enjoyable and tasty way to stay hydrated and get loads of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients at the same time. Serves 8
1 ½ – 2 cups tomato juice or tomato juice blend, low sodium if possible
6 medium ripe tomatoes, cored and quartered
2 small red bell peppers, roughly chopped [about 2 ½ cups]
4 medium or 2 large stalks celery, roughly chopped [about 1 ½ cups]
1 medium organic and un-waxed cucumber with skin, roughly chopped [see note below]
1 small zucchini, roughly chopped [about 1 cup]
¼ cup roughly chopped red onion
¼ – 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 Tablespoons capers
1 Tablespoon roughly chopped fresh jalapeno
1 large clove fresh garlic
1 teaspoon sea salt [decrease amount to ½ teaspoon if not using low sodium tomato juice]
½ teaspoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons sherry vinegar
1 ½ – 2 teaspoons lemon juice
¼ cup roughly chopped fresh basil
¼ cup roughly chopped fresh Italian parsley
½ – 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Place the tomato juice, tomatoes, red peppers, celery, cucumber, zucchini, onion, olive oil, capers, jalapeno, garlic, salt, and dried oregano into the blender container. Blend on high until vegetables are fully broken down and soup is very smooth. Add the sherry vinegar, lemon juice, fresh basil, parsley, and ½ teaspoon of maple syrup.
Blend on high for another 30-45 seconds or until basil and parsley are finely chopped and well incorporated. Taste and see if an additional pinch of salt, sherry vinegar, or maple syrup is needed for brightness and balance. Serve chilled.
Catherine McConkie 2017, all rights reserved
Chef C’s cooking tips:
- Season, age at harvest, growing and storage conditions all impact the sweetness, “juicy” factor and taste of fresh produce. Have confidence tinkering with the amounts of lemon juice, sherry vinegar, salt, oil, and maple syrup needed in order to make your taste buds come alive.
- Variation: for a more chunky texture stir in some diced celery or cucumber, chopped green olives, or crumbled croutons before serving
- Cucumber with it’s skin will add extra nutrients and fiber to any dish but they are consistently on EWG’s dirty dozen list for high pesticide residue. Lightly peel the cuke if organic and/or unwaxed product isn’t available
