Gazpacho with Avocado Salsa
By eliorakiah
Tomatoes, cucumber and peppers form the basis of this classic, chilled soup. Add a spoonful of chunky fresh avocado salsa and a scattering of croutons, and serve for a light lunch on a warm summer day.
- 4
Ingredients
- 2 slices day-old bread
- 2 1/4 pounds tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 2 garlic gloves, chopped
- 2 T extra virgin olive oil
- juice of 1 lime and 1 lemon
- a few drops of Tabasco sauce
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- a handful of basil leaves, to garnish
- 8 ice cubes, to serve
- For the croutons
- 2 slices day-old bread, crusts removed
- 1 garlic clove, halved
- 1 T olive oil
- For the avocado salsa
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 -inch piece cumber, diced
- 1/2 red chile, finely chopped
Preparation
Step 1
1. Soak the break in 2/3 cup of water for 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, place the tomatoes in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for 30 seconds, then peel, seed, and chop the flesh.
3. Peel the cucumber, cut in half lengthways and scoop out the seeds with a teaspoon. Discard the seeds and chop the flesh.
4. Place the bread, tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, chile, garlic, olive oil, citrus juices, and Tabasco in a food processor or blender with scant 2 cups chilled water, and blend until well combined but still chunky. Season to taste and chill for 2-3 hours.
5. To make the croutons, rub the slices of bread with garlic clove. Cut the bread into cubes and place in a plastic bag with the olive oil. Seal the bad and shake until the break cubes are coated with the oil. heat a large non-stick frying pan and fry the croutons over medium heat until crisp and golden.
6. Just before serving, make the avocado salsa. Halve the avocado, remove the stone, then peel and dice. Toss the avocado in the lemon juice to prevent it browning, then mix with the cucumber and chile.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls, add the ice cubes, and top with a spoonful of avocado salsa. Garnish with basil and hand round the croutons separately.