Farmer's Market Gazpacho
This chunky, hearty gazpacho can be eaten right away or savored over a week. The combination of tomatoes really makes a difference. I like to keep the gazpacho hearty and the vegetables identifiable, but if you prefer a smoother soup as above, puree half of it or all of it. All of the measurements are flexible – add more tomatoes, fewer onions, green peppers, or more dill – up to you. My version is more like a liquid salad with sunbursts of colors rather than a traditional soup.
2 large cucumbers, halved lengthwise and seeded
Bunch of fresh dill
2 onions, chopped
3 peppers (one red, orange, and yellow), cut and seeded
1 28 oz. good quality whole peeled tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes (not the kind with basil in)
2 fresh larger tomatoes in season (plum/heirloom, or any local)
1 pint cherry or globe tomatoes
1 small can tomato juice
2 tbsp. cold water
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp. lemon juice
½ cup good olive oil
splash red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, crushed
sea salt and pepper to taste
Peel the cucumber, slice it lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. If you use an English cucumber, the skin is thin enough to keep on. Chop up the larger fresh tomatoes and halve the cherry or globe, seeding casually (meaning, using your thumb, get some of the seeds out but don't be fanatical about it). Put tomatoes into a large bowl. Cut the peppers, cucumbers, and onions into bite-sized pieces and add to bowl. Mince the garlic and add it to the vegetables, stirring gently by hand. Chop a handful of dill and add it (you may use leftover whole sprigs for garnish). Add cans of tomatoes, reserving the liquid from the cans. Cut up the whole canned tomatoes, and add. Stir in lemon juice, tomato juice, vinegar, water, olive oil, into the mix and salt and pepper to salt.
If you want a more liquidy soup, add some of the reserved can juice. Otherwise, keep it thick, add the Worcestershire sauce, mix with a spoon, and cover in the fridge for a few hours. The soup will pick up flavor as it sits (the next day it will be great). Add drizzle of olive oil to each portion if you like and serve cold with homemade croutons if desired.
1 comment
Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial
August 18, 2011I love gazpacho soup, but have never tried making it. Thanks for the recipe, I’ll stash it for if and when our tomato plants ever fruit. I can’t help thinking that a dash of vodka would help this the ultimate mother’s chill-out tipple.. 🙂