Tomato Mint Gazpacho Soup
Tomato Mint Gazpacho is a chilled Spanish soup bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy bell peppers, and fresh mint. This vibrant dish is perfect for hot summer days, offering a refreshing and light meal option. Let’s explore how to create this delightful soup step by step
Ingredients of Tomato Mint Gazpacho :
For the Tomato Mint Gazapacho Soup:
- 6 large tomatoes, ripe and juicy
- 1 cucumber, peeled and seeded
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato juice or vegetable broth (adjust consistency as desired)
- Ice cubes (optional, for chilling)
For Garnishing Tomato Mint Gazpacho Soup:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh mint leaves
- Croutons or toasted bread cubes
- Diced cucumber or bell pepper
Instructions For Preparing Tomato Mint Gazpacho:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Wash the tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and mint leaves thoroughly under cold water.
Roughly chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red and green bell peppers, and red onion into small pieces.
Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
Pick the mint leaves from the stems and reserve some for garnish.
Blend the Soup:
In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, minced garlic, and fresh mint leaves.
Add extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper to the blender.
Pulse the mixture until smooth and well combined, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed.
Gradually add tomato juice or vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency. Blend the soup mixture till it becomes a smooth and creamy texture.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed to balance the flavours.
Chill the Soup:
Transfer the blended soup to a large bowl or container.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and keep in refrigerater the soup for at least 1-2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
For quicker chilling, you can add a few ice cubes to the soup and stir gently.
Serve the Tomato Mint Gazpacho:
Once chilled the soup you can remove the cover of soup and take it out from the refrigerator and give it a stir.
Ladle the chilled Tomato Mint Gazpacho into serving bowls or glasses.
Drizzle each serving with a swirl of extra virgin olive oil for added richness and flavor.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves, croutons or toasted bread cubes, and diced cucumber or bell pepper for texture and color.
Serve hot and enjoy the refreshing flavors of summer!
Tips:
Choose ripe and native tomatoes for the best results. You can also use the variety of tomatoes like the, native tomatoes, cherry tomatoes and etc…
Adjust the consistency of the soup by adding more tomato juice or vegetable broth if it’s too thick, or by blending in some ice cubes for a colder and thinner consistency.
For the extra freshness, you can also add the squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of lime juice to the soup just before serving.
Customize the soup according to your taste preferences by adding ingredients like celery, jalapeño peppers, or avocado for added depth of flavor and texture.
Variations:
Watermelon Twist :
Add chunks of ripe watermelon to the blender for a refreshing twist on traditional Tomato Mint Gazpacho.
Spicy Kick:
Include a seeded and chopped jalapeño pepper for a spicy kick, or add a dash of hot sauce or Tabasco for heat.
Creamy Option:
For a creamy texture, blend in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream into the soup like before the chilling.
Seafood Addition:
Serve the chilled Tomato Mint Gazpacho with a garnish of cooked shrimp or crab meat for an elegant seafood twist.
Conclusions of Tomato Mint Gazpacho Soup :
Tomato Mint Gazpacho is a versatile soup that celebrates the bounty of summer produce. With its vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and easy preparation, it’s the perfect dish for entertaining or enjoying a light meal on a warm day. Embrace the essence of summer with this delightful chilled soup!
