GAZPACHO

prep time:: About 15 minutes
total time:: About 15 minutes

Serves 4 people

Senora Mercedes Sanchez’s Gazpacho. The joy of gazpacho is its adaptability. Vary the amounts of any of the ingredients to your taste.

ingredients

6 very ripe tomatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds) blanched, peeled and chopped
1/2 medium white onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 large cucumber, peeled
1 green (or red or yellow) bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 garlic cloves (or 4 if you are Spanish)
3 or 4 (1/2 inch) slices of day-old baguette, soaked in water
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 C. olive oil
2-4 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
Pinch of ground cumin
Croutons (optional)

directions

Reserve some chopped tomato, onion and cucumber for garnish. In batches, place tomatoes, onion, cucumber, bell pepper, garlic and bread in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. If a thinner consistency is desired, omit bread or add small amounts of water and blend further. Add salt, oil, vinegar and cumin. Chill. Serve with croutons, and garnish with reserved tomato, onion and cucumber.

Source: Judy Lund