When the weather heats up to scorching Desert temps there's definitely a craving for things that are cooling and refreshing. For me one of those things is:
Gazpacho ... a cold Spanish tomato-based raw vegetable soup, originating in the southern region of Andalusia.
Now there are many fabulous recipes and versions for Gazpacho, it is a diverse dish with lots of options, which is probably why I enjoy it so much... including Watermelon Gazpacho, which is as wonderful as the Tomato based versions IMO... and all are quite convenient to make.
But my own version, the Lazy Gal's Gazpacho is pretty decent and a Grandchild could make it:
1 64 oz. chilled Spicy V8 Juice
Desired amount of pre-shredded Carrots
1 chopped Scallion Onion
Desired amount of chopped fresh Cilantro
1 diced Cucumber
Optional: chopped fresh Basil
Optional: chopped Red Pepper
Combine ingredients... walla... Gazpacho! The longer you leave it chillin' in the fridge the better the flavors blend... and a hint of Lime Juice & Olive Oil is optional. I serve mine with Herb Crackers and Whipped Butter... today I used Town House Italian Herb Flatbread Crisps.
Some of my fav local Restaurants to get tasty Gazpacho are Chakra 4 Herb & Tea House in Phoenix for a tasty Watermelon Gazpacho... and Wildflower Bread Company in Goodyear for a more traditional Vegetarian Gazpacho... alas, it's only served Seasonally and occassionally at both locations... which is why it was important for me to be able to whip up some of my own when a fierce Gazpacho craving hits! *Winks*
Source: Gazpacho via Pinterest
Source: Watermelon Gazpacho - via Nosheteria Blog
Source: Colorful Gazpacho - via Rare Forms where Food, Art & Gardening meet
Gazpacho can be made with so many different ingredients... Watermelon... Mango... Fresh Tomatoes... whatever floats your boat really... it can be chunky or more like a Soup consistency... so google some alternative recipes for a fresh, easy, colorful cold Soup to get you through the long hot Summer... it's nutritious and low cal too... does it really get any better than that?! *Winks*
Dawn... The Bohemian