Kristi Rochons Gazpacho Recipes

AUTHENTIC GAZPACHO RECIPE

Steps:

• Wash and dry all of the vegetables very well-if you prefer to peel the tomatoes you can, although I usually leave the skin on.
• Cut the tomatoes into 4 slices (leaving the core behind) and put into your blender.
• Halve, core, and de-seed the pepper. Cut it into a few slices and add to the blender.
• Peel the garlic and slice it in half. Remove the core (which often results in bitterness when not cooked).
• Cut the onion into a few slices and add it to the blender too.
• Peel the cucumber and cut it in half. Add half to the blender and save the other half for a topping.
• Blend the vegetables at a high speed until it is completely pureed.
• Add the salt and vinegar and, while blending on a slow speed, slowly add the olive oil.
• Taste and adjust salt and vinegar. If the texture is too thick for your liking add some cold water.
• Refrigerate and serve VERY cold! Add as many (or as few) toppings as you like.

GAZPACHO

Steps:

• Roughly chop the cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions into 1-inch cubes. Put each vegetable separately into a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until it is coarsely chopped. Do not overprocess!
• After each vegetable is processed, combine them in a large bowl and add the garlic, tomato juice, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill before serving. The longer gazpacho sits, the more the flavors develop.

CREAMY TOMATO GAZPACHO WITH CRUNCHY PECORINO

Steps:

• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spread 2 tablespoons cheese into a thin layer in skillet; let melt and brown on bottom, about 30 seconds to one minute. Use a spatula to flip cheese; let cook until evenly browned on both sides, about a minute more. Transfer fried cheese to a paper-towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining cheese, working 2 tablespoons at a time. Break fried cheese into large pieces.
• To make soup, place tomatoes, yogurt, olive oil, basil, garlic, scallions, ice cubes, salt, vinegar, cayenne and black pepper in a blender. Purée until smooth. Taste and add more salt and vinegar, if necessary. Pour into small bowls and garnish with pieces of fried cheese and chopped basil. Drizzle soup liberally with olive oil.

KRISTI ROCHON'S GAZPACHO

Steps:

• In two batches, process all ingredients except bread in a food processor or blender until combined but still chunky. Pour into a large bowl; add bread. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour or up to 1 day. To serve, stir in up to 1 cup water for desired consistency.

BEST GAZPACHO

Steps:

• Combine tomatoes, pepper, cucumber, onion and garlic in a blender or, if using a hand blender, in a deep bowl. (If necessary, work in batches.) Blend at high speed until very smooth, at least 2 minutes, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula.
• With the motor running, add the vinegar and 2 teaspoons salt. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil. The mixture will turn bright orange or dark pink and become smooth and emulsified, like a salad dressing. If it still seems watery, drizzle in more olive oil until texture is creamy.
• Strain the mixture through a strainer or a food mill, pushing all the liquid through with a spatula or the back of a ladle. Discard the solids. Transfer to a large pitcher (preferably glass) and chill until very cold, at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Before serving, adjust the seasonings with salt and vinegar. If soup is very thick, stir in a few tablespoons ice water. Serve in glasses, over ice if desired, or in a bowl. A few drops of olive oil on top are a nice touch.

GAZPACHO

Steps:

• Cut half the onion, 2 of the cucumbers, 3/4 of the bell pepper and the jalapeño into 1-inch pieces. Place in the bowl of a food processor or blender jar. Add Sungold tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and 2 teaspoons kosher salt or 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Blend at high speed until completely smooth. (If necessary, blend in batches, then stir together.)
• Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl, and strain soup, using a spatula to help press the liquid through; discard the solids.
• Finely dice remaining onion, cucumber and pepper, and add to soup; stir in vinegar. If desired, add water 1 tablespoon at a time to thin out the soup. Taste, and adjust salt and vinegar as needed. Cover, and chill soup for 45 minutes. (Chill 6 soup bowls now too.)
• Make the basil oil: Finely chop the basil leaves. Place in a small bowl, and cover with the olive oil. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and a generous pinch of salt. Toss to combine, then taste and adjust salt. Set aside.
• Make the croutons: Line a plate with paper towels. Set a 10-inch cast-iron pan over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the olive oil and 1 bread cube. When the cube starts to sizzle, add the remaining cubes, and stir gently to coat evenly in oil. Reduce heat to medium low, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring regularly, until croutons are golden-brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove croutons to the plate to drain, and season lightly with salt.
• To assemble, ladle soup into chilled bowls. Garnish with basil oil and croutons. Serve immediately.