A nostalgic and tasty experience
With the arrival of the holidays, the sun is shining brightly and I feel immersed in memories of a past summer. As the fresh air comes in through the window, the cheerful music of Els Tyets accompanies me in my task of closing projects, and reminds me of what I want most: a good time in front of the sea with a towel in the sun.
From the origin of gazpacho to its popularity
Gazpacho, one of the most emblematic dishes of Mediterranean cuisine, has evolved over the years. Its history begins in the Andalusian gardens where it was prepared from fresh tomatoes, vegetables and bread. The contribution of Andalusian and Murcia immigrants in the 1950s and 1960s boosted its spread in Catalonia, making it an essential during the summer months.
A simple and versatile recipe
The secret of a good gazpacho lies in its simplicity. With basic ingredients such as ripe tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, garlic, bread and a good drizzle of olive oil, you can achieve a refreshing dish in a few minutes. However, modern variations such as watermelon or strawberry gazpacho have contributed to giving it new dimensions, turning it almost into a drink.
Salmorejo: a delicious alternative
While gazpacho is presented as a light cold soup, salmorejo has won followers with its richer, creamier consistency. Made with tomato, bread, garlic, oil and salt, it is often topped with ham and boiled egg. Its texture is the key to its appeal, as it provides a different eating experience that, in addition to refreshing, satisfies.
Preparing gazpacho at home
To make a perfect gazpacho, it’s important to let the ingredients sit so they blend well before grinding. I recommend leaving the bread to soak in the tomato juice overnight. The result is a smooth and tasty puree that transports me directly to the vegetable gardens of Andalusia with every spoonful.
A moment of happiness
With every sip of gazpacho, I feel an immediate connection to tradition and the freshness of summer. There’s nothing like enjoying this dish with cheerful music in the background and the feeling of the sun caressing your skin. So, the closer summer gets, the more intensely I sing: ‘A bath, hora i pico, gazpachito i repitu!’
