Vegan gluten-free healthy gazpacho

I haven been cooking gazpacho now and then every summer even before going vegan. My vacation in Spain has reminded me about this amazing refreshing summer soup. It Is simple and quick, yet flavorful and very refreshing. My gazpacho has always been gluten-free, but actually they often add bread in it in Spain. If you are avoiding gluten, it’s important to ask about the bread component if you’re eating your gazpacho out or even better to make it yourself with my recipe:)

What do I need?

• Tomatoes;

• 1 medium cucumber peeled;

• 1 medium bell pepper;

• Half a red onion or 2 spring onions ( I prefer the spring onions when available);

• 2-3 garlic gloves;

• 1-2 tbsp. of Olive oil (or flax oil -rich in omega 3);

• 2-3 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar;

• salt, pepper and basil (optional).

Process

1. Make small shallow cuts in the middle too and bottom in the tomatoes;

2. Place the tomatoes into hot water for 5-7 minutes;

3. When the tomatoes have been in that water, they let to peel them easily just with your fingers.

4. Peel the cucumber;

5. Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth;

6. Cool down the soup before serving.

Notes

• Gazpacho is extra refreshing if you serve it really cold. You can add fresh , mint or other herbs of taste to infuse with even more flavors.

• I recommend using apple cider vinegar because it has so many health benefits including alkalizing the body, fighting bad bacteria, supporting digestion and lowering bad cholesterol levels. However you can also use wine vinegar like in the original recipe.

• You can omit peeling the tomatoes and cucumber to speed up the process. But I find that when the tomatoes are unpeeled , if the soup sets in the bowl , it tends to separate into liquid and the blended peels. When we want an even consistency, it’s better to peel them.

• Sometimes watermelon is added to gazpacho too. It makes it sweet and refreshing. But it is recommended to eat watermelon separately from all other foods to fully use its detoxing property.

Enjoy!