Grilled Tomato-pepper Gazpacho

Ingredients for Grilled Tomato-pepper Gazpacho

• 3 1/4 to 1.6kg firm but ripe medium tomatoes

• 1 (8- to 250g ) red pepper

• 1 (8- to 275g ) red onion, unpeeled, quartered lengthwise

• 120ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 3 (5 x 3 x 1/2-inch) slices country-style bread

• 3 garlic cloves, divided

• 1 (10- to 300g ) cucumber, peeled, halved, seeded, cut into small cubes, divided

• 45ml (or more) Sherry wine vinegar

• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh marjoram

• 3/4 teaspoons smoked paprika*

• 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1/4 teaspoons cayenne pepper

• 180ml (about) cold water (optional)

• 3 spring onions, cut into thin strips

• *Sometimes labeled Pimentón Dulce or Pimentón de La Vera Dulce

• available at some supermarkets, at specialty foods stores, and from tienda.com.

How to make Grilled Tomato-pepper Gazpacho

Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Place first 3 ingredients on baking sheet. Brush with 3 tablespoons oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Brush both sides of bread with 2 tablespoons oil. Grill vegetables until skins are charred, turning frequently, about 8 minutes for tomatoes, 10 minutes for onion, and 15 minutes for pepper. Return to baking sheet. Grill bread until toasted, about 1 1/2 minutes per side. Cut 1 garlic clove in half; rub over toasted sides of bread. Cut bread into small cubes; reserve croutons.

Remove charred skins and cores from tomatoes. Peel, seed, and core pepper; coarsely chop. Remove charred papery peel and core from onion. Set aside half of chopped cucumber for garnish. Working in 2 batches, add half each of tomatoes, pepper, onion, and remaining cucumber to processor and blend until coarse puree forms. Transfer mixture to large bowl. Repeat with remaining tomatoes, pepper, and onion. Using garlic press, squeeze in remaining 2 garlic cloves. Stir in remaining 45ml olive oil, 3 tablespoons vinegar, marjoram, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne. Thin soup, if desired, with cold water by 60ml fuls. Season with salt and pepper. Chill at least 2 hours. DO AHEAD Gazpacho and croutons can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover gazpacho and chopped cucumber garnish separately and refrigerate. Cover and store croutons at room temperature.

Season gazpacho to taste with more salt and more vinegar, if desired. Ladle into bowls. Garnish with cucumber, croutons, and spring onions; serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.