Gazpacho

Gazpacho is a hearty soup that is served cold, making it a perfect way to cool down and replenish the body on a hot, summer day in Andalucía.

This is the classic gazpacho recipe, but there are many other variations.

Gazpacho is typically served along with the main course, or afterward.
Some Spaniards serve it in a glass, as a beverage to accompany the meal.

Ingredients
1 lb /450 g tomatoes
1/2 lb / 225 g green peppers
1/2 cucumber
a few cilantro leaves
clove of garlic
1/4 chilli pepper, seeds removed (optional, leave out if you want a milder soup)
2 oz / 50 g white bread, 2-3 days old (also optional, leave out for a thinner soup)
1/2 mild Spanish onion
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1/3 pt iced water
Sea salt and black pepper
Ice cubes

Garnish

2 tomatoes, skinned
1/2 green pepper
1/4 peeled cucumber
2 slices stale white bread, crusts removed

Method

Skin the tomatoes and cut into quarters. Remove seeds and stalks from peppers. Peel the cucumber and cut into chunks. Tear up the bread and soak it in water for 30 minutes and then squeeze it dry. Cut up the onion.

Blend all the ingredients until roughly chopped, not too fine, because the soup should have texture and discernible vegetable bits. Pour into large bowl with some ice, add salt and pepper. Then prepare the garnishes.

Dice the bread and fry it in a little olive oil until brown. Chop the other vegetables finely. Serve in separate little bowls on the table, so that guests can sprinkle on their own toppings.

Serve chilled, preferably on a hot day and within sight of the sea.