Refreshing Gazpacho

Ingredients

• 6 ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 1 cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
• 1 small red onion, roughly chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato juice
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp sherry vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: diced cucumber, red bell pepper, croutons, and fresh basil

Instructions

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, garlic, tomato juice, olive oil, sherry vinegar, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth.

2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Transfer the gazpacho to a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.

4. Before serving, give the gazpacho a stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.

5. Serve the chilled gazpacho in bowls and garnish with diced cucumber, red bell pepper, croutons, and fresh basil, if desired.

Dive spoon-first into this invigorating gazpacho and let the cool, tangy flavors transport you to a sun-drenched Spanish courtyard, where siestas are mandatory and summer never ends!