In the midst of summer heat, time seems to become lazy – it stretches and yawns, while the white sun works after-hours and hangs high on the horizon until late in the evening. All of a sudden, we grow a need for afternoon naps, bottles of sunscreen, and glasses upon glasses of chilled rooibos. Summer appetites also differ from colder weather cravings – we want less comfort food, and more fresh, adventurous flavours. This soup is undoubtedly the dish for such heat. It’s incredibly refreshing and full of taste. I’m always on the lookout for different ideas for gazpacho, and mint is what makes the flavours in this one especially interesting and layered. I also like to make raw Spicy Herb Crackers to accompany the soup.
This recipe (from an old issue of Food&Wine) calls for green zebra tomatoes – a beautiful variety of heirloom tomatoes. Unfortunately I’ve never encountered them here in Florida. Instead, I chose to use organic plum tomatoes and tomatillos, which make a great pair.
2 lb tomatoes (half and half plum tomatoes and tomatillos) – coarsely chopped, plus 1 tomato for garnish
1 unpeeled seedless cucumber – coarsely chopped, and some for garnish
1 medium sweet onion – coarsely chopped
1 Hass avocado – peeled and pitted
1 small jalapeno – seeded
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cup purified water
a small handful of mint leaves (plus some for garnish)
a small handful of cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil (plus some for drizzling)
Salt and pepper to taste
Using a food processor, combine half each of the tomatoes-tomatillos, cucumber, and onion with the avocado, jalapeno, garlic, lime juice, and 1 cup purified water. Blend until smooth and transfer to a bowl. Put the remaining tomatoes-tomatillos, cucumber, and onion into a food processor, along with the mint, cilantro, and olive oil and pulse to make a chunky puree. Add the puree to the blended mass, salt and pepper to taste, and stir. Refrigerate until chilled. Garnish the gazpacho with mint leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and any other ingredients you put away for dollup.
Enjoy on a hot summer day!
Spicy herb cracker recipe here.
Anonymous says
how do you make the spicy herb crackers?
Golubka says
Anonymous, we can’t post it due to copyright issues. If you give me your email, I’ll be glad to send it to you.
lindajnyc says
hello, i’d love to get the spicy herb cracker recipe as well! love your site! continue posting…SO inspiring :) thank you!
Norka says
This is a great idea!
kiki says
can’t you publish it and write the source where you took it from?
Sue says
It looks absolutely delicious, and the photos are fantastic!
Golubka says
Linda: Thank you & sent
Norka: Thank you!
Kiki: Unfortunately not. Emailed you.
Sue: Thanks so much!
Joanna says
I’m ever amazed at your recipe selection and presentation, they’re always so fresh and interesting. Keep it up!
Shelley says
Another Masterpiece! Thank you Anya and Masha for your sharing your beautiful food with us. Your photos sing with passion.
Golubka says
Joanna: Thanks so much!
Shelley: Thank you!!!
Dining Dan says
What an amazing take on an old standard. You’re knife skills seemed to be extremely honed! Great pix.
Coco says
I am sooo making this! I have all of the ingredients already…woo hoo!
Golubka says
Coco, I hope you like it :) Just made some again the other day too.
EddiE & Rosie Kourian says
Excellent raw soup! And very easy to make! Thank you for another great recipe!
P.S. Could I also get the cracker recipe, please. Thank you and all the best!
Golubka says
Hi Rosie,
Sorry for taking so long to respond. Here is the cracker recipe.