Heirloom Tomato and Cucumber Gazpacho

This is a very refreshing soup on a hot, Summer day. I prefer heirloom tomatoes to hybrid when I can find them. Either type of tomato will work in this soup - just make sure they are fresh for the very best flavor. Local Farmer's Markets have fresh off the vine tomatoes and tasty cucumbers this time of year - I load up my basket and enjoy them all Summer.

Heirloom refers to a tomato that is open pollinated from non-hybrid seeds that have been passed down or traded by farmers and their families for many years. About 50 or so years ago, tomato growers started pollinating seeds under controlled conditions. This hybrid method of growing tomatoes allowed growers to product a more commercially attractive tomato, similar to the round red tomato we get in the grocery store today.

Tomatoes pollinated from heirloom seeds retain many imperfections, especially in their shape, very different from the hybrid variety. Colors range from yellow to dark red and purple. The darker tomatoes have a sweeter taste while the yellow tomatoes are a bit milder.

The mix of colors from the tomatoes give this soup a very rich color and a very flavorful taste. Pair this soup with the Arugula Walnut Salad and you have the perfect Summer lunch.

Heirloom Tomato and Cucumber Gazpacho

Ingredients:

3 pounds ripe, Heirloom tomatoes, stemmed and quartered
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped or 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder or 3/4 teaspoon Garlic Flakes
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper Medium Heat
Salt and fresh Cracked Black Pepper to taste

Directions:

Puree tomatoes, garlic, cucumber, bell peppers and onion in small batches. Add oil and vinegar and continue to process vegetables. (Or finely chop vegetables and combine with oil and vinegar, stir well.)
Add cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Garnish with chopped scallions, peppers, bread cubes or diced cucumbers.

Serves: 6

Nutritional Information (per serving - does not include salting to taste):

Calories 181
Protein 2g
Carbs 7g
Fat 18g
Sat Fat 3g
Trans Fat 0g
Fiber 2g
Sodium 28mg
Sugar 3g

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