Pineapple Cucumber Gazpacho

April 7th, 2013

This post is also available in: French

post image

Spring continues to be cool down where we are in Florida. I’ve lived here for ten years and never experienced such a chilly March. We are usually swimming in the gulf by now, but not this year. We’re loving it though, knowing that the crazy summer heat will come soon and will stay for a while. I know that up North the spring has been harsh, but it’s getting better, there are even rumors of 70+ degrees in NYC this week. This refreshing pineapple gazpacho is perfect for a spring awakening, full of bold sweet and spicy flavours. I’ve had my eyes on this recipe for a couple of years and finally gave it a try. The most important thing here is to have a very sweet and ripe pineapple and your gazpacho will be delicious. Take care not to overdo on jalapeno. I usually taste the pepper first to estimate how hot it is, as they fluctuate from mild to extremely hot, then I adjust accordingly.

post image

Pineapple Cucumber Gazpacho 
(adapted from Raw Food, Real World)
serves 4-6

1 large ripe pineapple – peeled, cored and chopped
about 4 small or 1 large English cucumbers – peeled and chopped
1 cup pineapple juice – preferably freshly made
about 1/2 jalapeno – seeded and diced (see text)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1-2 teaspoons sea salt – to taste
1 green onion – chopped
1 handful cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish
3 tablespoons olive oil

1. In a food processor, combine 3 cups of each the pineapple and cucumber together with the pineapple juice, jalapeno, lime juice, salt and green onion, blend until smooth.
2. Add the remaining pineaple and cucumber, cilantro and 1/2 of the olive oil. Pulse a few times to achieve a chunky texture. Adjust seasoning and chill in the refrigerator.
3. Serve garnished with the remaining cilantro and olive oil.

Tags: cilantro, cucumber, gazpacho, pineapple, recipe, soup

Garden Juice

July 25th, 2012

This post is also available in: French

Here’s a juice we cannot get enough of this summer. When heirloom tomatoes begin to shine in their rainbow of colours, when cucumbers are sweet and herbs are in abundance – that is the time for this healthful drink.

All the credit for this juice goes to my husband, a lover of V8 in the past. I especially like it with the addition of dill, it’s such a characteristically summer herb. Include some salt and pepper to spice things up, my husband even likes to add Old Bay. As you can imagine, this juice could also satisfy a Bloody Mary fan. You know, minus the kick.

I didn’t specify any amounts in the recipe. All of the veggies included, especially heirloom tomatoes, have a crazy size range in the summer. Just try to have an even ratio or use more of your favourite vegetable for a stronger taste.
We’ve been having a very rainy summer with loud daily thunderstorms. We wouldn’t mind it wasn’t for Paloma’s newly developed fear of thunder and lightning. Otherwise a very brave girl, she weeps under the blanket for the whole length of a storm. Hopefully she will grow out of it soon. Any similar stories among the crowd?

Garden Juice
summer tomatoes
cucumbers
bell pepper
celery
carrots
fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, cilantro, mint, oregano
sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, any other spices of choice

You will probably need a juicer that is not centrifugal – single or double gear. When juicing, alternate soft and hard vegetables and herbs, using a fruit attachment. Add salt, pepper, and spices to taste at the end. Simple!

Tags: carrots, cucumber, drink, juice, pepper, raw, recipe, savoury, tomato, vegan