Recipe: Gazpacho for hot summer days!

For most people, the idea of “cold” soup doesn’t sound exciting, but this Spanish original created to be enjoyed on hot summer days is surprisingly delicious and refreshing, not to mention incredibly fresh and healthy!

INGREDIENTS

• 1kg tomatoes, skinned
• 1 red / or green pepper Seeds and pith removed
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled (optional)
• 1 large slice of day-old bread, soaked in water, then squeezed to remove excess water
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 red / green chilli
• 45ml oil
• 30ml apple cider vinegar or sherry vinegar
• salt and black pepper

METHOD

1. Roughly chop the tomatoes, pepper, cucumber (optional), and bread into large chunks.

2. Place in a food processor with the garlic, chilli, oil and vinegar. Process to a relatively smooth liquid, leaving just enough texture to your liking. (Up to you how smooth you want it.)

3. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and add more vinegar or oil if necessary. Transfer to a suitable container for your fridge, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. The flavours will develop over time.

4. Serve ice cold, with an extra garnish chopped tomato, peppers or cucumber.