Summer is coming to an end, but the local Farmers’ Markets are still open, and you can still get fresh, delicious veggies like the red, ripe tomatoes needed for this gazpacho recipe by Woodside Yoga Teacher Lisa Murphy.
This one is as simple as it gets, but the ingredients must be fresh. Ripe, juicy tomatoes only – hothouse ‘maters need not apply! Feel free to experiment with different colored tomatoes and peppers. Heirloom tomatoes are great in this recipe.
Unlike many traditional gazpacho recipes, this version skips the bread, which keeps it nice and light and naturally gluten-free. Serve as a summer starter, or make a slightly heartier version by adding one of the optional toppings and enjoy for lunch. A blender or food processor is needed for this recipe.
MAKES: 3 ½ cups
INGREDIENTS:
1 medium clove garlic
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 cup peeled and chopped cucumber
1 pound ripe red tomatoes, cored and chopped into chunks
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground pepper
Crushed red chili flakes
OPTIONAL GARNISHES: Chopped hard-cooked egg, cooked shrimp or crab
• Put chopped garlic in blender and pulse a few times.
• Add bell pepper and pulse; then add the cucumber and pulse a few more times.
• Add tomatoes, olive oil, vinegars and salt. Blend.
• Add black pepper and crushed red chili flakes to taste.
• Chill at least two hours.
• Serve chilled in individual bowls drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and topped with your choice of additional toppings.
Lisa Murphy grew up in small town Iowa, earned a degree from the University of Iowa in actuarial science, and logged 12 years in corporate America before moving to Dubai in 2003. The next ten years she traveled the world teaching yoga and studying meditation and Eastern philosophy, which changed the trajectory of her life.
After repatriating to Kansas City in 2012 Lisa immersed herself in her passions: cooking, practicing yoga and spending plenty of time on her meditation cushion. Lisa recognizes that yoga has benefits well beyond sculpted arms, that meditation calms and empowers your mind, and that being true to yourself is the only way to achieve ultimate success and happiness. In addition to teaching yoga at Woodside, Lisa blogs, writes plant-based recipes and teaches mindful practices for healthy living.
