| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: None | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 105 | 8g | 1g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 2g | 0.2g |
Why I Love Spanish Gazpacho de sandía y tomate
There’s something almost poetic about gazpacho on a hot summer day, and my latest culinary adventure with Gazpacho de sandía y tomate captures that poetry perfectly. Imagine settling into an al fresco lunch with the sun kissing your skin, and a bowl of this chilled soup cradled in both hands. The combination of ripe tomatoes and juicy watermelon might sound unusual to some, but the sweet-savory blend is nothing short of a revelation.
Inspiration from the West Coast
Growing up in California, I’ve always had an affinity for fresh, vibrant produce. The market stands burst with colors that almost sing, and this recipe is my celebration of that. The health-conscious food culture of the West Coast often weaves its way into my dishes, and Gazpacho de sandía y tomate is no exception. It is light yet satisfying, nutritious but bursting with flavor—just the way I like it.
A Culinary Tribute
It’s dishes like this that remind me why I’m so passionate about food fusion. I’ve always admired the way Chef José Andrés gives traditional Spanish dishes a refreshing twist, and this gazpacho takes a page from his playbook. When I first experimented with adding watermelon to the classic tomato gazpacho, it felt like a risk worth taking. Chef Andrés has a similar gazpacho recipe that inspired me to step out of my comfort zone, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
Versatile Pairings and Comparisons
This soup stands proudly on its own, but if you’re planning a full Spanish-inspired menu, consider pairing it with some tapas like patatas bravas or a delightful tortilla española. If you’re into flavor experiments, this gazpacho can serve as a great precursor to heartier fare like grilled fish or even a simple, fresh salad. Much like the refreshing avocado toast or a cucumber salad, this dish offers a cool counterbalance to warmer weather.
As much as I love traditional American comfort food, there’s something incredibly fulfilling about blending those comforting flavors with the health-conscious mindset of my Californian roots. Gazpacho de sandía y tomate is the perfect example of a dish that manages to be both a comfort and a delight.
So next time you find yourself longing for something refreshing and innovative, don’t overlook this gem. It’s a bowl of summer, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring in a quiet moment of self-care.
Enjoy, and happy cooking!
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups of ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups of watermelon, seedless and chopped
- 1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 small red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup of cold water (optional, for thinning the soup)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons of fresh mint, chopped (for garnish)
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Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, watermelon, cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic.
Step Two
Transfer the mixed ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.
Step Three
Add the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper to the blender. Blend again until everything is well combined.
Step Four
If the gazpacho is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup of cold water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Blend again briefly to mix in the water.
Step Five
Taste the gazpacho and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt or pepper.
Step Six
Chill the gazpacho in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step Seven
Serve the gazpacho cold, garnished with fresh chopped basil and mint. Enjoy your refreshing Gazpacho de Sandía y Tomate!
