Gazpacho Alternate Version
OK, here is my Gazpacho alternate version recipe. By no means am I am trying to claim this as a "traditional" recipe from Spain. Most Spaniards would look at me with more than a little doubt when they hear about the ingredients. With that said, I love to experiment with gazpacho. I think the underlying idea of gazpacho is terrific. Enjoying it is always one of the great things about summer. With this alternate version of the more classic recipe, I have added some non-traditional ingredients that, to me at least, really work with the dish. Most Spaniards would question the use of the herbs and lime. And I can imagine some would rather die before putting honey in there! That's OK, I think it really works. And hey, if it tastes good, eat it! If this is too off the wall for you, try my more basic gazpacho recipe here. I know this one is a little different, but I hope you give my Gazpacho alternate version recipe a chance. I really love it, and I think you will too! If you really want to put it over the top, put a few chunks of fresh watermelon in there as a garnish at the end. Let me know what you think! 
Serves: 4 Preparation time: about 15 minutes INGREDIENTS 2 fresh tomatoes 1 cucumber peeled 1/2 small green pepper 1 small onion 16 oz of tomato juice (plus extra if desired for proper consistency) 1 clove garlic finely chopped 1 small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley 1 small handful of fresh basil 2 pieces of day-old baguette or other bread 1/2 TB of honey juice of 1/2 a lime red wine vinegar to taste 3 TB quality extra virgin olive oil plus extra for drizzling salt and pepper to taste Optional Garnish: A few chunks of fresh watermelon OR finely chopped onion, green pepper, onion, tomato, Spanish ham shavings and/or croutons DIRECTIONS Start by soaking the bread in some water to soften it. Next roughly chop all of the vegetables and put them in a large bowl or food processor. Add the rest of the ingredients excepting the salt, pepper and vinegar. Using your food processor or hand blender, process the ingredients down to a smooth soup. Now add the salt, pepper, and vinegar to your taste. Some people like their gazpacho thicker or thinner, so add more or less tomato juice to get the consistency you prefer! Put in the refrigerator to chill and then serve in bowls and drizzle with more olive oil. Try some of the garnishes above to add even more flavor! ĦDisfruta!  Return from Gazpacho Alternate Version Recipe to Home Page
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