Salmorejo with Spiced Chickpeas
Beat the Heat with Refreshing Chilled Tomato Soup
Summer is here, and what better way to cool down than with a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy Chilled Tomato Soup? This isn’t your typical heavy cream-laden tomato soup. We’re embracing Mediterranean flavors with a light, fresh approach that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Forget hours of simmering – this recipe comes together in minutes, thanks to the power of a blender!
This recipe is all about letting the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes shine. We enhance that sweetness with a touch of vinegar, fragrant garlic, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. The real star, though, is the crispy spiced chickpea topping. These little bursts of texture and flavor elevate the soup from simple to sensational.
Why you’ll love this Chilled Tomato Soup:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes (plus chilling time).
- Fresh & Flavorful: Packed with the taste of summer.
- Versatile: Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even as an appetizer.
- Mediterranean Inspired: A healthy and delicious taste of the Mediterranean.
- Texture Contrast: The spiced chickpeas add a delightful crunch.
Tips for the Best Chilled Tomato Soup:
- Tomato Quality: Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find. Heirloom tomatoes are fantastic if available.
- Chilling Time: Don’t skimp on the chilling time! At least 3 hours is recommended to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to get wonderfully cold.
- Spice Level: Adjust the smoked paprika and cumin to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a nice kick.
- Garnish Options: Get creative with your garnishes! A swirl of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh herbs (basil or parsley), or a dollop of yogurt are all delicious additions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes?
A: While fresh tomatoes are best, you can use good-quality canned diced tomatoes in a pinch. Drain them well before blending.
Q: Can this soup be made ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The soup actually tastes better after it’s had a chance to sit in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.
Q: Is this soup vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
A: Definitely! Roasted red peppers, cucumber, or even a handful of spinach would be delicious additions.
Q: What kind of bread can I use?
A: Sourdough is ideal for its tangy flavor and texture, but any crusty bread will work well. Just make sure it’s stale!
Enjoy this vibrant and refreshing Chilled Tomato Soup – a perfect taste of summer!
Chilled Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- 500g g tomatoes any fresh, ripe tomatoes
- 1 tbsp red wine or sherry vinegar
- 1 clove garlic
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 slices stale sourdough bread
- 1/2 tin chickpeas drained & rinsed
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Put the soup ingredients into a strong blender and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed with more salt, pepper or vinegar.
- Pour into a jar or jug and chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours.
- Meanwhile fry the chickpeas in a hot frying pan with the oil and spices until they start to pop.
- Tumble into a bowl and keep in the fridge to serve with the soup later.
- Divide into 4 bowls and top with the spiced chickpeas.
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