Sunday, May 31, 2009

Gazpacho!...A Healthy & Refreshing Summer Soup


As summer soups go, there is nothing more delicious and refreshing than Gazpacho. It is a salad in liquid form, with the added advantage that it keeps forever in the refrigerator. If you are trying to watch your weight and eat healthy, gazpacho is for you.
The name gazpacho reminds me of a little miniature Chihuahua my daughter and I saw one day on South Beach. The name was bigger than the dog. Every time this dish comes up, the though of this tiny little thing with big ears and a big attitude makes my daughter and me burst into giggles.

The recipe comes from my mother who has been making it for years. She can't remember where she found it but I can honestly say, I haven't had a better one. When the tomatoes are in season in the summer, there is always a pitcher in the refrigerator at home. The funny thing is nobody can believe how easy it is to make.

This is dedicated to my friend Albert P. who subscribed to my blog, even though he is on a diet. That is what you call true friendship. You can have this, dear Albert, it's all vegetables, except for a little olive oil which is also good for you. It is also filling, healthy and packs well for the office.

Ingredients

3 ripe tomatoes
1 cucumber, peeled
1 onion, yellow
1 clove garlic
1 green pepper
1 1/2 C tomato juice
2 1/2 C beef or chicken bouillon
1/4 C olive oil
1/4 C red wine vinegar
salt
pepper
croutons


Chop tomatoes, cucumber, onion and green pepper. Add to a blender, together with the rest of the liquid ingredients. You will have to do this in batches. Place in the refrigerator until well chilled. Add croutons on top just before serving

If serving for company, you can garnish with chopped cucumbers, green peppers, tomatoes and onions. Place a bowl of croutons on the side.

5 comments:

  1. This is one of our very favorite summer foods! Thanks for the "new" recipe; I will try it this week. I have so many recipes for this but can't ever remember which I like best! I think I end up combining them. So, thanks!

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  2. Try it...you won't be sorry! I just had two bowlfulls for lunch...

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  3. Made this yesterday! Well..... I only used about 1/2 cup of the broth; it seemed it would be too watered down with the whole amount. As it turned out, it was DELICIOUS! It isn't as garlicky as some I've made, which is just fine with me. This is a winner, and I'll make it again for sure. Some left to take for lunch tomorrow.Thanks!

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  4. Make it next time with the 2 1/2 cups ..trust me it's not too much. Made some last week and plan to make more tomorrow. It's a great lunch is you want to watch your weight too.

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  5. ok.... will do. My French group, or part of it, Les Mousquetaires (!) is having a pique-nique et on fait une balade, le 17 juin. so, I signed up for Gazpacho (I know, not french....) and some French bread. I will think of you, and of course, pass on your blog name to all!

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