Glorious Gazpacho
This refreshing, delicious and nutritional tomato-based soup has gathered momentum in the last 15 years.
This refreshing, delicious and nutritional tomato-based soup has gathered momentum in the last 15 years.
Gazpacho is one of those favourite Spanish foods that is known and loved by the world over. However, it has taken a wee while for us Scots to appreciate that a soup can served chilled. We're used to ours piping hot and extra thick.
International enthusiasm for this refreshing, delicious and nutritional tomato-based soup has gathered momentum in the last 15 years though, as more of us have discovered the fabulous taste of Gazpacho.
For Gazpacho, the freshness of the ingredients and minimal “tinkering” with them in the recipe means that there is nowhere to hide if you get either wrong.
Here at Provender Brown use a wonderful ready-made product from Brindisa, our continental supplier and promise even the most discerning Scottish soup-making sceptic is going to love it.
Their recipe has a huge respect for centuries of tradition in Andalucía in southern Spain and has been created in partnership with a Gazpacho-maker who shared their vision – someone with skill in finding great fresh vegetables and the know-how to let the flavour of those ingredients shine through.
The key ingredient in Gazpacho is the tomato – you stand or fall by its flavour. The Brindisa Gazpacho is made with tomatoes from southern Spain and they boast a mix of sweetness and acidity that is just right for Gazpacho. The other ingredients are Cucumber, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Green Pepper, Red Pepper, Garlic, Sherry Vinegar, Sea Salt and Lemon Juice
In Andalucía, it’s unusual to drink Gazpacho until lunchtime which, with Spanish eating hours, means that it doesn’t come out of the fridge until 2.30. By this time, the sun is high in the sky, the temperature is hot and rising, and many will drink it straight from a glass with no garnish – a pure, refreshing draft bursting with flavour.
Some will also eat it from a bowl, typically garnished with finely chopped vegetables (often the same as the main ingredients of the Gazpacho itself) and maybe some herbs, such as parsley or mint. Further embellishments include extra olive oil and even a tot of very dry chilled sherry. Sometimes extended to 2 tots with the second bowl.
It’s the ideal refreshment on a summer picnic, appealing to all ages and palates.
Tere are three new varieties for Summer 2022, and each one is as delicious as the original. These are perfect for alfresco lunches or a fun and delicious starter idea for a dinner party. Try experimenting with different toppings - see our pic at the top for inspiration -
Serve these with the Beetroot Gazpacho, let down with yoghurt or milk to form creamy consistency, and Monte Enebero Cheese (rind removed).
Each and every month - and possibly twice at Christmas - we send out every food lover's favourite newsletter.
Packed full of news from the deli, you'll find recipe ideas, new products, producer interviews and lots of really interesting chat that us foodies like to get excited about!