Sweet and Savory Watermelon Gazpacho

Don’t Mind If I Do,

OMG! Watermelon Gazpacho!

This soup is one of my favorites. Dive into a bowl and be prepared for a fiesta in your mouth! With every spoonful, your taste buds will flamenco with delight as the sweet-tangy flavors dance across your palate. So chill out and try some gazpacho.

Gazpacho (Spanish: [ɡaθˈpatʃo]) or gaspacho (Portuguese: [ɡɐʃˈpaʃu]), also called Andalusian gazpacho, is a cold soup and drink made of raw, blended vegetables.[1] It originated in the southern regions of the Iberian peninsula and spread into other areas. Gazpacho is widely eaten in Spain and Portugal, particularly during hot summers, since it is refreshing and cool. It is typically made with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, garlic, bread, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and sometimes other vegetables like avocados. The ingredients are blended until smooth, then chilled before serving, and are often garnished with diced vegetables or croutons. Each serving typically contains around 50 calories, making it a low-calorie option.

Variations of Gazpacho

While the classic Andalusian gazpacho is a culinary masterpiece, numerous regional variations showcase the versatility of this simple yet sophisticated dish. Some of the gazpacho recipes include:

1. Salmorejo: Originating from Cordoba, Salmorejo is a thicker, creamier version of gazpacho made with tomatoes, bread, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. The soup is usually garnished with chopped hard-boiled eggs and Serrano ham and served as a tapa or appetizer.

2. Ajo Blanco: A white gazpacho from Malaga, Ajo Blanco is made with almonds, garlic, bread, olive oil, and vinegar, and is typically served with green grapes or melon. This elegant and subtle soup is a testament to the Moorish influence on Andalusian cuisine.

3. Gazpacho Manchego: Hailing from La Mancha, this hearty variation is a hot soup made with a base of game meat like rabbit or hare, combined with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and bread. The soup is thickened with a mixture of ground almonds and saffron and served with a side of unleavened bread.

4. Gazpacho Verde: A green gazpacho made with a blend of green vegetables like spinach, lettuce, parsley, and watercress, along with cucumbers, green peppers, and green tomatoes. This detoxifying and revitalizing soup is perfect for those looking for a healthy and refreshing alternative to the traditional red gazpacho.

Gazpacho,

Gran Miramar Malaga Hotel

This traditional Spanish dish offers several health benefits:

1. Nutrient-rich: Gazpacho is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh vegetables, contributing to overall health and well-being.

2. Hydration: With its high water content, gazpacho can help keep you hydrated, especially during hot weather or after exercise.

3. Weight management: Being low in calories and high in fiber, gazpacho can help with weight loss or weight management goals when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

4. Heart health: The vegetables in gazpacho are rich in heart-healthy compounds like lycopene and potassium, which can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

5. Improved digestion: The fiber content in gazpacho can support digestive health and promote regular bowel movements.

Delicious Watermelon Gazpacho

Watermelon gazpacho is a refreshing twist on the classic chilled soup. This version combines the traditional flavors of gazpacho with the subtle sweetness of watermelon, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The juicy watermelon adds a light and summery essence to the dish, making it a delightful option for hot days. Enjoy the cool, vibrant flavors of watermelon gazpacho as a starter or a light meal on its own.

Ingredients:

• 4 Roma tomatoes

• 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon

• 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 yellow onion, chopped

• 1 garlic clove

• 2 tsp sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 red jalapeno pepper (optional)

• Cilantro to garnish (optional)

• Cotija cheese (Queso Fresco) garnish (optional)

• Bread Crouton to garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. In a blender, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow onion, garlic, vinegar, lime juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.

2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust lime juice and olive oil as needed.

3. Add the watermelon. I like to add the watermelon last to adjust the amount of sweetness.

4. Chill the gazpacho in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

5. Garnish with your favorites!

This recipe serves 6-8 people. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Moreover, gazpacho is easy to customize based on dietary choices and can be made with ingredients that suit various dietary restrictions such as vegan and gluten-free diets.

Alhambra

Granada Spain

Gazpacho is a delightful fusion of rich history and vibrant flavors, a journey to the soul of this captivating country. This tantalizing cuisine of Spain is a feast for the senses, each bowl or glass tells a story of culinary mastery passed down through generations, making every meal a celebration of Spanish heritage and passion for good food.

Reference:

1. ^ Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd. ed cites R. Ford Hand-bk. Travellers in Spain I. i. 69 (1845) "Gazpacho...is a cold vegetable soup composed of onions, garlic, cucumbers, pepinos, pimientas, all chopped up very small and mixed with crumbs of bread, and then put into a bowl of oil, vinegar, and fresh water."