Fresh Maui Gazpacho
I am just digging the hell out of fresh garden gazpacho this summer. It's the best thing for lunch on a hot summer day - chilled vegetable soup. My mom turned me onto it as a kid and I got a chance to try some in Spain when visiting there a few years back. My husband is a big fan too, so no hu-hu.
Here's my version of this classic cold soup. Recipes usually call for beef stock or consomme for the liquid, and I have used that in the past for a very good flavor. Something about cold beef soup just kind of creeps me out though, so I usually use a can of V-8 or some Clamato Juice (attention Canadians - you know what I'm talking about here).
You can break it down to 4 parts - chunks, herbs, liquid and seasonings. Use whatever ingredients appeal to you, and season to suit your own taste. I find that using the mini food processor makes it so easy, there is no excuse not to make this a quick meal.
It's important to have all the ingredients chilled. You can even chill the serving bowls if you have nothing better to do.
Chunks - peeled cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, a little bit of hot pepper if you like it spicy.
Fresh herbs - parsley, cilantro, dill, basil, lemon basil - whatever suits your fancy - use a LOT.
Liquid - cold beef stock or vegetable juice - use enough to make it soupy. I'll use a 12 oz can of V-8 for 2 servings.
Seasonings - lemon or lime juice, DON'T be skimpy, make it tangy - olive oil, at least a quarter cup for 2 people - salt and pepper.
I start with some hot habanero pepper, a small chunk, add a bit of onion and tomato and grind that up small - you don't want any large chunks of hot pepper in there. Toss in the rest of the ingredients and pulse until it gets the desired consistency - either chunky or super blended, it's your call. If you need to, chill it for an hour or so.
Serve in the chilled bowls and throw in some seasoned crispy croutons. Garnish with a sprig of parsley or dill. ENJOY.
Another great Maui recipe brought to you by THE HUNTER
Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro 808 283-0635 EMAIL
Looks yummy Hunter...
mmmmm ..... gazpacho.
Looks very appetizing. Mmm Mmmm Good!
April - thanks for coming by, sit down and help yourself to a bowl.
Now THIS is something I am going to copy!!!! Thanks!!!
BJ - It's so easy too. Yesterday I had the best chilled cucumber soup with lime and mint, at Mama's... gonna have to try that next.