When it’s hot, and I mean really hot, this cold Spanish soup is your savior. Gazpacho, originating in the Andalusian region of Spain, is a cure for many ailments, from colds to heartbreak. Whatever is wrong, Gazpacho might fix it. It is a quick, healthy, refreshing, light breakfast, lunch, or dinner. There are many recipes out there, but all start with the basics of Olive oil, Sherry wine vinegar, Cucumbers, fresh tomatoes, Garlic, bell pepper, and Spanish onions. I like a little heat, so I add a little habanero or other hot pepper to give it a little zip. For the batch pictured, I had a unique and potent pepper from my garden, South American rooster spurs, with a heat level similar to Thai peppers but an excellent chili flavor reminiscent of Fresno peppers. Just five of these small dried peppers did the job.
This soup is good alone or topped with any variety of toppings: chopped diced vegetables, diced boiled egg, and a little crabmeat if you’re feeling decadent. A few croutons, whatever sounds good, or whatever you have on hand. It also makes an excellent appetizer for grilled game like Doves.