Ingredients and Substitutions:

Gazpacho Andaluz is a soup that embraces fresh natural ingredients. That said, you’ll want to source the freshest and most ripe veggies to use to give your gazpacho plenty of flavor. 

Tomatoes

The star of any good Gazpacho recipe starts with plump, ripe tomatoes. We prefer to use on-vine Roma tomatoes, but you can make Gazpacho with any tomato variety, just make sure they are fully ripened. See our notes below on the best tomatoes to use for more information. 

Red and Green bell peppers

Red for sweetness and the green bell pepper offers a little more bitterness. Using both red and green will help balance the flavors. Green Italian peppers can also be used as they offer a similar level of sweetness and bitterness when compared to Green bell peppers. 

Cucumber

Crisp fresh cucumber is another crucial ingredient for any good Gazpacho recipe. Use a cucumber that is sweet and has thinner skin as they are less bitter. English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers both work well. No need to peel them, a lot of the nutrients are hidden just under the skin. 

Onion and Garlic

Both staples in Spanish cuisine and always found in the traditional Spanish pantry, onion and garlic offer some sharpness to any Gazpacho recipe. 

White onion or shallots work best and offer a mild onion flavor with a little sharpness. Just half an onion around 3 inches (7cm) in diameter is plenty. No need to finely dice or chop, just remove the outer skin and loosely chop. 

We use one large (peeled) clove of garlic. If you love the garlic flavor, use more, or omit the garlic altogether if you are making Gazpacho for date night! 

Stale bread

Day-old bread works great for making Gazpacho. Use whatever bread you have on hand. We used a small whole grain loaf we bought the day before, the outside was a little crispy, but still almost soft on the inside. 

Cooking Tip!  

Store your unused bread ends in the freezer. They are ideal for making Gazpacho Andaluz. 

Cumin

Ground cumin is a regional ingredient that is used to help flavor Gazpacho. We love adding some ground cumin to our recipe as it adds a delicate layer of earthiness that really melds with the other ingredients perfectly. 

Salt and Pepper

Seasoning is surprisingly simple for authentic Gazpacho Andaluz recipes and relies on a generous pinch of salt and some freshly cracked black pepper. We use fine-grain Pink Himalayan salt as it enhances flavor and is one of the best salts to consume (see more about salt in our complete Guide to salt). 

Water

Consistency: Adjust the consistency with cold water. The gazpacho should be smooth but not too thin. Add water gradually until the desired consistency is achieved. We find around half a glass is plenty.

Vinegar

Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar both work well for this recipe. We highly recommend using a good-quality Sherry vinegar from the Andalusia region of Spain. Do not use ordinary white vinegar, the acidity levels are very different and it will make the soup bitter.

Roland Jerez Sherry Vinegar (Vinagre de Jerez)

A uniquely delicate yet full-bodied vinegar from the Jerez de la Frontera region, Spain. Matured in the traditional Spanish solera system. 8% acidity.

Sweet, fragrant, with a pleasant tart finish. A traditional and authentic Spanish Sherry wine, Don Bruno’s is prepared by all-natural methods from fine wines as a base. 

Link to buy Roland Jerez Sherry Vinegar on Amazon. 

Olive oil 

Again, good quality olive oil should be used whenever you make Gazpacho. We recommend a good-quality extra virgin olive oil that is mild in flavor (a Hojiblanca is a great option). 

Here’s our recommendation for an affordable and good-quality EVOO:

LA ESPAÑOLA First Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 24 OZ 

A high-quality extra virgin olive oil is a must-have in the pantry. La Española EVOO is a 100% natural olive juice, which is first cold pressed to preserve freshness and flavor. La Española Extra Virgin Olive Oil is plant-based which makes it perfect for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Link to buy LA ESPAÑOLA First Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 24 OZ on Amazon.

Best Tomatoes to Use When Making Gazpacho Andaluz

When making Gazpacho Andaluz, it’s important to choose tomatoes that are ripe, flavorful, and juicy. For the best results, always ensure the tomatoes are fully ripe and bright red, as this will give your gazpacho a naturally sweet and full-bodied flavor. 

The best types of tomatoes for this classic Spanish cold soup are:

1. Roma (Plum) Tomatoes: These tomatoes are meaty with fewer seeds and less water content, making them a good choice for a smooth gazpacho. Roma tomatoes are our go-to tomato for gazpacho as they are readily available and not expensive. 
2. Vine-Ripened Tomatoes: Tomatoes that have ripened on the vine tend to have a richer flavor. Look for vine-ripened varieties at your local market (ideally, on-vine Roma tomatoes if you can find them!) 
3. Heirloom Tomatoes: Heirloom varieties can add a depth of flavor and sweetness to your gazpacho. They also often have a vibrant color, which can enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
4. Beefsteak Tomatoes: These are large, juicy, and full of flavor. They work well for gazpacho because of their high water content and robust taste.
5. Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: If you want a slightly sweeter gazpacho, cherry or grape tomatoes can be a good option.

Avoid using tomatoes that are too firm or underripe, as they can make the gazpacho taste bland or not provide the right acidity level in the soup. If the tomatoes are too acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance it out.

How Long Should Gazpacho Be Chilled Before Serving?

• Minimum: 2 hours
• Maximum: Overnight

Gazpacho should be chilled for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the refreshing quality of the soup. For the best results, some people prefer to let it chill overnight. This extended chilling time allows the ingredients to fully integrate, resulting in a richer and more cohesive flavor.

How Gazpacho Is Served in Spain

In Spain, Gazpacho Andaluz is typically served in a variety of ways, emphasizing its refreshing and versatile nature. It is most common to find it served as a cold, refreshing appetizer or tapas. This recipe makes a side serving for 6 people (around 180ml per serving).

Appetizer or Starter: Gazpacho is often served as a first course in a multi-course meal, particularly during lunch or dinner in the summer. Its refreshing and light nature makes it an excellent appetizer that stimulates the appetite without being too filling.

Health Benefits of Gazpacho Andaluz

Gazpacho Andaluz is not only a delicious and refreshing dish but also offers several health benefits due to its nutritious ingredients. 

Gazpacho Andaluz is vegan-friendly, nutritious, and low-calorie. It’s the perfect cold summer soup and is a hydrating dish packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. It supports heart health, boosts the immune system, improves digestion, and offers anti-inflammatory and skin health benefits. 

Here are some key health benefits of Gazpacho Andaluz:

1. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals:

• Tomatoes: High in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and antioxidants like lycopene, which is known for its cancer-preventing properties.
• Cucumber: Good source of vitamins K, B, and C, and minerals such as copper, potassium, and manganese.
• Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, and antioxidants that help in reducing oxidative stress.

2. High in Antioxidants:

• The combination of tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers provides a high dose of antioxidants, which help to neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing inflammation and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

3. Hydrating:

• Gazpacho is mostly water due to the high water content of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, making it an excellent hydrating food, especially in hot weather.

4. Low in Calories:

• Gazpacho is low in calories but high in nutrients, making it a great option for those looking to maintain or lose weight without compromising on nutrition.

5. Good Source of Dietary Fiber:

• The vegetables in gazpacho provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain bowel health, and can lower cholesterol levels.

6. Heart Health:

• Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, olive oil is beneficial for heart health. It can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
• Tomatoes and Peppers: The potassium in these vegetables helps to control blood pressure, and the antioxidants help to prevent cardiovascular diseases.

7. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

• The ingredients in gazpacho, particularly tomatoes and olive oil, have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and potentially lower the risk of inflammatory diseases.

8. Boosts Immune System:

• The high levels of vitamins C and A in the vegetables used in gazpacho help to boost the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections.

9. Improves Skin Health:

• The vitamins and antioxidants, especially lycopene in tomatoes, can improve skin health and protect against sun damage.

10. Digestive Health:

• The fiber content helps to promote healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.

Nutrition Facts

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