Refreshing Gazpacho Soup

Featuring: Tomatoes are high in vitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamin C, as well as lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which can protect against UV-induced damage and the development of cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Cucumbers are high in vitamin K which prevents excess vascular calcification that results in age-related stiffness and atherosclerotic plaque of blood vessels in the retina.

Chill out in summer with this classic refreshing Spanish soup that is served cold. It's perfect for sweltering summer days and is packed full of eye-healthy vitamins and antioxidants. Quality tomatoes really make this recipe, so try homegrown, farmers' market, or the highest quality tomatoes you can find.

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs fresh tomatoes, blanched (see method step 1)
  • ½ cucumber, roughly chopped
  • 1 small green pepper (or ½ a large one), roughly chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion (red, yellow, or white), roughly chopped
  • 2 cups tomato juice
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt (or as little as you can enjoy!)
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup white wine vinegar

Method

  1. To blanch tomatoes: Wash tomatoes and place in a large saucepan. Pour boiling water over them to cover and let sit for 1 minute. Remove from water, slice an "X" on the base of each tomato, peel, and roughly chop. Remove and discard the stems.
  2. Add chopped tomato, cucumber, green pepper, garlic, onion, tomato juice, cumin, salt, and pepper to a blender and blend briefly until combined. Add olive oil and vinegar and blend briefly again until combined.
  3. Refrigerate and serve cold. Enjoy!

Refreshing Gazpacho Soup

Lutein
Zeaxanthin
Beta-carotene
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Lycopene