Creamy & Refreshing Spanish Cucumber Gazpacho
#A Delightful Summer Chilled Soup: Spanish Gazpacho Recipe#
Many cultures enjoy refreshing chilled soups during the summer months. Today, we’re making Spain’s famous ‘Gazpacho’! While tomato gazpacho is well-known, this version focuses on fresh cucumber, a blend of vegetables, and creamy coconut milk for an extra rich and invigorating flavor. This recipe can even be adapted into a delicious Korean-style chilled cucumber soup (oi naengguk) with a few tweaks!
Ingredients- 2 fresh cucumbers (English cucumbers or regular cucumbers)
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 bell pepper (any color you prefer)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 100ml coconut milk (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 2 tbsp avocado sauce (optional, adds extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vinegar (balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather all the ingredients for your gazpacho. Wash the cucumbers and bell pepper, then trim off the ends. Peel the onion. Have your minced garlic, dried basil, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, coconut milk, avocado sauce, fresh lemon juice, and vinegar ready.
Step 2
Roughly chop the cucumbers, onion, and bell pepper. Set aside a small portion of the cucumber and bell pepper for garnish.
Step 3
Finely dice the reserved cucumber and bell pepper for the garnish. This will add a lovely texture and visual appeal to the finished soup.
Step 4
Place the roughly chopped cucumber, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic into a blender.
Step 5
Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Step 6
Pour in the coconut milk for a creamy consistency. Adjust the amount based on your desired thickness.
Step 7
Add the fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor. Freshly squeezed juice will offer the best aroma.
Step 8
Now, with all ingredients in the blender, process until smooth and well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice if needed.
Step 9
Pour the blended gazpacho into chilled bowls. Garnish with the finely diced cucumber and bell pepper you prepared earlier. A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil can also be added for an extra touch. Your delicious, creamy, and refreshing cucumber gazpacho is now ready to be enjoyed!
