Gazpacho is a traditional Spanish soup made of raw vegetables and served cold. The Soup originated in the southern region of Spain known as Andalusia. Gazpacho is typically made with a blend of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, garlic, bread crumbs, olive oil, vinegar, and water. See recipe below.
The dish is often garnished with diced vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Gazpacho is a refreshing and healthy soup that is perfect for a hot summer day.
Gazpacho originates from Andalusia?
Though Gazpacho is thought to have originated in the Andalusian region of Spain, specifically the city of Cadiz, the dish’s true origin is actually unknown.
Some theories state that the dish is a modernised version of a Roman dish, known as the “Moretum”, made with olive oil, salt, vinegar, and herbs. Others suggest the dish may have Arabic influences, as Arabic recipes involving garlic and vinegar are popular in the Mediterranean.
Regardless of the true origin and history of Gazpacho, the soup has become a beloved staple of Spanish cuisine, and is a popular dish throughout the world. It has had a long history in Spain and is now even made with different ingredients depending on the region it is made in. From the Andalusian-style, which is made with crustless white bread, to the Castilian-style, which is made with stale bread, Gazpacho is as diverse and flavorful as it is old.
The word “gazpacho” comes from the Arabic word “الغصابة”
The word “gazpacho” comes from the Arabic word “الغصابة”, which means “chopped.” Gazpacho is thought to be derived from the Arabic word “ghazzabiyya,”which is a soup made from stale bread, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
Another theory suggests that the recipe was brought to Spain by the Moors. It is believed that the Moors would make a similar soup and serve it cold in the summer, as the ruthless heat of southern Spain would make hot food less desirable.
Today, the dish is still popular in much of Spain, as well as other countries such as Portugal, Latin America, and Italy. Gazpacho is made differently all over the world, with each cook adapting it to their own tastes. This is how the dish has become the beloved and varied meal we enjoy today.
Recipe
Andalusian Gazpacho
Ingredients
1 kg tomatoes
1 red onion
1 cucumber
3 garlic cloves
4 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
1 cup (250ml) water
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 slices crustless white bread
3 tablespoons Sherry vinegar
How to do it
1.Wash and chop the vegetables listed. Peel it if you want or leave it as it is.
2.Cut the crustless bread into small pieces. Place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor including the bread, vegetables, water, olive oil, and vinegar. Blend it until you get the consistency you want. To make it thicker, use more bread, if you want it thinner, add more water.
3.After you have your preferred consistency, you can use a strainer to remove peels and other bits.
4.Put in the refrigerator to get it ready for a hot summer day or just a tasty soup to take out and eat whenever you want. If you want to eat it as fast as possible, the freezer for 20 minutes is a good alternative. Since a Gazpacho you always eat cold …
By Sofia
Member of the Food Culture Community