DIETERS' DELIGHT: CREAMY TOMATO GAZPACHO (Vegan), no carbs, low-fat, easy, frugal

Ambrosial low-fat & carb Gazpacho: 

first posted 2018; updated 7/2024

 No-Cook Glorious Gazpacho (with Carnival Cornbread-Corn, Chilli, Onion & Ham)
'How can something so low-calorie taste so good?' 'Sublime!' Tasters

This summery tomato gazpacho* is tomato based with bell pepper, cucumber and sherry adding layers of delicate flavour.  Smooth and creamy but dairy-free, it has minimal salt.  

67 is not a great fan of gazpachos but this is one of the nicest, more-ish soups ever.  And it's ridiculously easy to make. 

67 used common all-garden vegetables (tomatoes @50p/punnet!) which produced a  piquant full-bodied flavour.   

The recipe was also tested on up-market tomatoes, sweet pointed peppers and organic cucumber.  They gave the gazpacho an exquisite depth; the texture was gloriously silky.  If pockets are deep enough, this version is recommended.   

Whichever tomatoes are used, this healthiest of soups will tantalise the tastebuds; small quantities go a long way.

Cost: £2.00'ish to £4, depending on tomatoes

Serves: 4 

Ingred:

   1/2 cucumber peeled & de-seeded, set aside a scant 1/4, chop into small dice  for garnish; coarsely chop the rest 

   1/2 large bell pepper, seeds & membranes removed; set aside 1/4 of the pepper, chop in small dice for garnish; coarsely chop the rest & add to cucumber

   1kilo/2lbs tomatoes; save 3 tbsp seeds for garnish; chop the tomatoes in 1/4inch/1 cm wedges; add to coarsely chopped cucs & pepper

   1 tbsp finely diced large shallot or mild purple onions or white of green onions

   1/2 tsp grated garlic

   2 tbsp sherry
   1 tbsp red wine vinegar

   min 1 tsp, max 1 tbsp sea salt (67 used a generous teaspoon)

   

   3 tbsp olive oil

   ice cubes (opt)

   handful chopped cherry tomatoes

Garnish: finely diced cucumber & red pepper (as above)

             finely chopped fresh basil 

             slug of red wine vinegar

             chopped cherry tomatoes 

Method:

1. Mix garlic, sherry/red wine vinegar, sea salt & garlic with chopped toms, cucumber and pepper; rest at room temperature 30mins 
2. Add olive oil; blitz in a smoothie maker or high powered blender
3. If your blender/smoothie maker is not efficient, pour mix through a strainer into a jug; use the back of a ladle to push the mixture through the strainer for a minute or so. A few seeds & fibre will be left behind; discard.
4. Cool in refrigerator at least an hour
5. To serve, pour into bowls (add a few ice cubes if you like) : garnish with chopped cherry toms, cucumber & pepper dice, add a small shot of red wine vinegar (or more sherry), sprinkle over basil
6. Serve with Carnival Cornbread   

Comments:
'Amazing! How can something so low calorie taste so good?  I've always loved Gazpacho but yours was a real treat.  Definitely much better when very cold.' Campaign Manager

'I'm not a great fan of gazpacho but this one has a beautiful texture and great layers of flavour.  The cornbread - full of chunky corn niblets and cubed ham - is the perfect accompaniment.'  Retired Writer 

   *adapted from Bon Appetite magazine

**M&S

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This recipe has been adapted by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  It may not be reproduced without the author's written permission