Gazpacho Soup - A wonderful taste of Andalucia - Perfect for Summer

Gazpacho is a soup made of raw vegetables and served cold, usually with a tomato base, originating in the southern Spanish region of Andalucia, which some spell with a c, while others use an s !

This soup can be "great for a hot day when making a lunch that takes just a few minutes is exactly what you want. In our version of this Andalusian peasant dish we leave out the soaked bread and instead use a creamy avocado to give it substance. Eating some of your food raw every day is important as the vitamins are retained as well as the all-important enzymes.

Ingredients:
Serves 4
8 large, ripe tomatoes
½ medium red, orange or yellow pepper (green peppers are unripe)
½ large cucumber, peeled
1 medium avocado (or a handful of soaked nuts such as almonds, cashews, or brazil nuts)
1 small red or white onion or a bunch of spring onions
3 large cloves of garlic
1 handful of fresh herbs (we like parsley or a mix of parsley and basil / coriander)
1 tsp of good quality balsamic vinegar or sherry vinegar*
The juice of ½ a lemon or lime
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and pepper

Optional toppings:
Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
Diced olives
Diced cucumber/red pepper/tomatoes
Toasted pumpkin seeds
Parmesan crisps - how to make these see here

 Tips:

 For GAPS (Gut And Psychology Syndrome) use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic or sherry

 For Paleo, add an extra ½ lemon or lime instead of vinegar

 If you would prefer, you can substitute the avocado for a handful of soaked almonds, cashews or brazil nuts"

This recipe suggestion, and words above, are from Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley. They are home cooks and food lovers with a passion for wellness and delicious, nutrient-dense food. Their cooking is all about creating natural, satisfying and easy to digest meals that make you feel vibrant, strong and healthy; recipes that are full of flavour and goodness and free from gluten, grains and refined sugar. They believe in the nourishing power of real food and that eating well can be easy, affordable and enjoyable for everyone.

Original recipe here
More about the Hemsley's here

Facts about Andalusia ... a rocky, sun-baked region on Spain’s southern coast, embodies much of what the world thinks of as Spanish: flamenco, tapas, matadors and bullfights. Yet it was under Moorish rule from the 8th-15th centuries, a legacy that shows in its architecture, including such landmarks as the Alcázar castle in Seville, the capital city, as well as Córdoba’s Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral and Granada’s Alhambra palace.

Seville - Place d'Espagne - image from here

Well, you may not be able to visit Andalucía, but I hope you may get to taste this Gazpacho soon. Happy Eating - which if my Spanish is correct, translates to

Comiendo feliz!

You will find a variety of recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. 

All the best Jan