White gazpacho or ajo blanco, is a delicious and refreshing cold soup originating from the Andalusian region of Spain.
Don't you just love a bowl of cold soup on a hot day? When summer comes around, cold soups start popping up on restaurant menus everywhere. Spanish red gazpacho is the epitome of cold soups. It's made by pureeing tomatoes and other vegetables with garlic and olive oil.
This post however, is about the lesser known gazpacho- white gazpacho or ajo blanco, meaning "white garlic." White gazpacho is actually the original gazpacho. It originated in the Andalusian region of Spain before tomatoes were introduced to the country. Andalusia was occupied by the Moors for hundreds of years in the Middle Ages. Their Arabic culture influenced the food of that region.
Ingredients
White gazpacho uses inexpensive ingredients like olive oil, garlic, stale bread and almonds, which grow abundantly in that region of Spain. It was often served as a nourishing, refreshing meal for laborers working in the fields under the hot sun.
Almonds and olive oil provide heart healthy unsaturated fats. Almonds additionally provide protein and fiber as well as several other nutrients that have beneficial effects on heart health.
Cucumbers and grapes are packed with water to keep you hydrated. They also provide several important nutrients including Vitamin C, Vitamin K and potassium.
How to make it
Traditionally made with a mortar and pestle, the base of white gazpacho consists of blanched almonds and garlic that are mashed into a paste. You want to make sure to use blanched almonds which have the skins removed since the skin adds a slightly bitter flavor. It also alters the color of the soup.
Stale bread (soaked in water to soften it) and olive oil are then added to form an emulsion. Although traditional white gazpacho uses a large amount of olive oil, I cut down on the amount and found that it didn't sacrifice the taste or texture of the soup.
Cucumbers, grapes and a shallot are then added to provide fresh, vibrant flavor as well as a touch of sweetness to mellow out the garlic. A splash of Spanish sherry vinegar adds just the right amount of acid to round out the dish.
I make my gazpacho in a blender. First I grind up the almonds and garlic. Then I throw in the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth. It doesn't get much easier than that!
It can be served at room temperature but I prefer to refrigerate it for a couple of hours before serving. That also gives the flavors plenty of time to meld.
You can thin it out with water to achieve the consistency that you like. I like to serve my gazpacho as is but if you want it completely smooth, you can pass it through a strainer or chinois before serving.
I garnish my white gazpacho with slices of almonds, grapes and a bit of chive or scallion for a burst of color. This dish makes a perfect appetizer for a summer barbecue or Spanish tapas party.
Get creative and try different varieties of gazpacho like watermelon or peach. For a gourmet flair, try serving your gazpacho as shooters in small glasses.
Recipe
White Gazpacho
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2.5 ounces cubed white bread (about 2 cups) from a baguette, Italian loaf or sliced bread (crust cut off)
- 1 ½ cups cold water, divided use
- ⅓ cup whole, blanched almonds
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped shallot
- 2 cups diced, peeled English cucumber (about 1 large cucumber)
- ¾ cup green grapes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 ½ teaspoons sherry vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Chives or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Place the bread cubes in a bowl and pour ½ cup water on top to soften them.
- Place the almonds and garlic in a blender and puree until finely ground. Add the shallot, cucumber, grapes, oil, vinegar, salt and softened bread to the blender along with the remaining 1 cup water. Puree until smooth. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Add more water to the soup as needed to achieve desired consistency. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Serve in bowls or glasses and garnish with sliced grapes, almonds and chives or scallions if desired.
Tom Kerr says
I'll try it. My daughter also suggested using mint in its place. I'll let you know. We're in triple digits next week so it might just become a main course!
Tom Kerr says
We recently had white gazpacho at a local restaurant and loved it, so I was happy to find your recipe online. We are psyched to try this at home!
I was also intrigued about using watermelon or peach as a substitute. Would you then eliminate the garlic from the recipe? Thanks!
sonaliruder says
I hope you like it! Great question about the garlic. I think that you can still use some garlic with the watermelon or peach- I've seen recipes for those variations that include garlic. I think the key is to start with a small amount and then adjust based on how it tastes. Let me know how it goes!
Jupiter Ascending says
Nice refreshing dish and looks stylish as well.
p says
While teaching conversational English to fellow physicians in Spain we were served a white gazpacho. What a wonderful delight! My attempts to recreate it here have been mediocre at best. This might be on the menu at our Easter bbq next weekend as it's 80 here in California. Thank you!
Ally says
Another great recipe for chef gary! And, me!! Thanks so much, Sonali!! xo Ally
ur says
I love the name , white gazpacho for such a simple ,easy to make soup.It is perfect for a hot summer day. Refreshing!!!
Anonymous says
exelent very good
Amee Livingston says
Mmmmmm....I want a bowl of this gorgeous soup right now!!!
Mother Rimmy says
Very interesting recipe. I love the color and texture looks so refreshing.
sonaliruder says
Thank you! It's definitely an interesting combination of ingredients but they all come together so well.
The Hungry Goddess says
This recipe has caught my eye several times now! On Facebook, on Amee's Fit & Fabulous Fridays - it is just wonderful and your photos are gorgeous!
sonaliruder says
Thanks so much! Aren't there so many great recipes on Amy's Fit & Fabulous Fridays?
Rook and Pawn says
can't wait to try this!
sonaliruder says
Thanks- let me know how it goes if you try it!
sonaliruder says
Thanks for stopping by! Congrats on the new site- I'm heading over now!
Terra says
Wow, white gazpacho? I have never had this, but totally interested. I finally made a cold soup last year, and really loved how refreshing it was. Your addition of grapes is too fun! Hugs, Terra
sonaliruder says
It's nutritious and really refreshing, especially in this heat. Thanks!
Amrita says
I have to admit, with the exception of a fantastic strawberry soup I once tasted, I'm not crazy about cold soups. I find that they can sometimes turn out bland or under-seasoned. But your gazpacho looks stunning! I'm loving the idea of adding blanched almonds and grapes to it!
sonaliruder says
Thanks Amrita! This one has a lot of flavor and the longer you let it sit, the more flavorful it gets. I hope you try it!
Lynda @ TasteFood says
I love gazpacho and usually make the red version. I'll be making this soon
sonaliruder says
I usually make red gazpacho too but now I've been converted!
Ally says
What a great post, and I've learned something, too! Tweeted and sharing the 'bacho luv! Ally xo
sonaliruder says
Thanks for the luv, Ally!
Bernadette Martin says
Oh, I'm trying this! New fan!
sonaliruder says
Thanks for visiting, Bernadette- Let me know how it goes if you try it!
Ann says
I learned something new! Had no idea red gazpacho was not the original. The recipe looks delicious and the photos are beautiful!
sonaliruder says
Thanks, Ann- I had fun learning about it too!