Stay out of the Kitchen: Summer Gazpacho
PUBLISHED ON: 07.26.2015
The heat has become almost unbearable. The humidity on most days is pushing 100% along with the 100 degrees F. temperatures. We affectionately refer to the heat here in the panhandle of Florida as “swamp heat”. Unlike the southern part of the state which lay claim to a tropical climate, us hooligans in the north beg for a breeze and surrender to the hot stagnant air. Of course jealousy ensues from the south in the winter time as we experience a change of seasons which gives way to cool air and frosty mornings.
This month’s cooking class theme was STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN. I focused on sharing with my class at Browns Kitchen a few simple to prepare cold dishes when brought together make a fantastic summer meal. The menu was centered around this delightful and refreshing summer gazpacho soup.
Gazpacho is a Spanish soup enjoyed in the country’s southern Andalusia region and neighboring Portugal which both experience very hot summers. This blend of raw vegetables including, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions and fresh garlic with tomato juice as the base come together creating a incredibly fresh and flavorful cold soup.
This summer soup is best prepared ahead of time to allow the flavors to full develop.
Julie
Beautiful! I'm with you on the heat, very warm and humid here too. I just put beets in the slow cooker to avoid turning on the oven. Stay cool.
Michelle
A perfect recipe for this time of year! My parents live in the panhandle and the heat can be unbearable!
Big Dude
That sounds sooo good for this heat.
ramblingtart
Gazpacho is my very favorite summertime go-to recipe, Velva. 🙂 Yours sounds divine!
Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen
Gazpacho is perfect for these hot summer days and I'm guilty of forgetting about it until I see a lovely bowl like yours on a blog. Shame on me, it's way to good to forget…Sam
Tina
I saw you were teaching a class and one of these days o will have to sign up! Perfect meal for this weather, can't wait for fall!
SavoringTime in the Kitchen
And with fresh garden produce what could be more delicious! We're having some of our warmest weather of the season so this sounds absolutely perfect.
Angie's Recipes
This is absolutely perfect for the hot summer days!
chow and chatter
this looks wonderful and I bet after your travels your cooking gets better and better 🙂
Claudia
I will be making this. Our tomatoes are just coming in (although red peppers don't happen until autumn). And our cukes are in – big time. This is packed with flavor and refreshing. We just went through our second heat wave. We have a break until Saturday when the heat returns and this gazpacho gets made!
Catherine
Dear Velva, It is hot!! There is a heat wave here as well. I really enjoy gazpacho and this looks wonderful. xo Catherine
Thistle Cove Farm
so glad I ran across your post; it reminded me I've not fixed gazpacho this summer. after a trip to the market to buy more ingredients and this will be my supper for the next few days. thanks!
That Girl
I need to take a tip from you. I do way too much heating up the house with my cooking.
Gloria Baker
Look soo good Velva!
Beth
I've never made gazpacho, but I certainly love when someone else makes it for me! This one looks terrific.
Marcelle
I've eaten lots of warm tomato soup, and it's one of my favorite things, but I have never tried Gazpacho! Sounds like the perfect dish to try during this August heat wave. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
I know I would enjoy your gazpacho. It makes such a refreshing meal on a hot steamy day.
grace
sometimes i stand and stare at the oodles of tomatoes on our counter and try to think of ways to use them, but gazpacho has not yet come into my brain–great idea!