In summer, there’s nothing better than a delicious cold soup to cool down and enjoy the flavors of the season. The gazpacho, typical of Spanish cuisine, is an excellent example. But if you think you know gazpacho in all its details, let yourself be surprised by a new variant: the cucumber gazpacho.
What is cucumber gazpacho?
The cucumber gazpachocucumber is a cold soup of Spanish origin, just like its tomato-based cousin. However, it somewhat sets itself apart with its exceptional freshness provided by the cucumber. This very hydrating vegetable rich in nutrients is ideal for making a refreshing and tasty soup.
The benefits of cucumber
Rich in water (95%), the cucumber is also low in calories, which makes it a popular ingredient for people concerned about their weight or wanting to lose weight. Moreover, it provides numerous vitamins and minerals to support your health, notably vitamins A, C and K as well as potassium.
Preparing for the recipe
To make this delicious cold soup, you will need to gather some ingredients and utensils:
- 2 fresh cucumbers: choose them very firm, without spots or wrinkles;
- 1 red onion ;
- 1 garlic ;
- 100g of stale bread (optional) ;
- A handful of fresh basil or mint ;
- 2 tbsp of lime juice ;
- Extra virgin olive oil;
- Salt and black pepper from the mill.
As for the utensils, equip yourself with a good knife, a cutting board, a mixer or blender, and a large salad bowl.
Steps to Successfully Make a Cucumber Gazpacho
Vegetable Preparation
Start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers under cold water to remove any trace of dirt. Then remove their ends, cut them into pieces and possibly remove the seeds if they are too big to avoid a too thick soup.
For the red onion, just peel it and chop it finely. Finally, peel the garlic cloves and cut them into small pieces.
Mix the ingredients
In the bowl of your mixer or blender, place the cucumber pieces, the chopped onion, the minced garlic, a few leaves of fresh basil or mint, as well as a slice of stale bread if you want to add some texture to your soup.
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Then add the juice of one lime, a generous stream of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a few turns of a black pepper mill. Blend everything for two minutes to achieve a smooth and velvety texture. Taste your preparation and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Let it rest in the refrigerator
To fully enjoy the flavors of your cucumber gazpacho, it is important to let the preparation rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour before tasting it. This resting time will allow the flavors to diffuse and the soup to be really cold, perfect for a successful tasting experience.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your cucumber gazpacho has had enough time to chill, it is ready to be served. Pour it into bowls or glasses, garnish with a few leaves of fresh basil or mint and optionally accompany it with toasted croutons for a touch of crispness.
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You’ll understand, this delicious variant of traditional gazpacho will surely seduce you with its fresh taste, its summer flavors and its lightness. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your loved ones during your summer meals or barbecues with friends!