Welcome to this month's journey at House of Knives, where we embrace the vibrant essence of summer with a twist on a classic – a Refreshing Cucumber Gazpacho. This chilled soup, perfect for hot summer days, combines the crispness of cucumbers with a tangy blend of fresh herbs and a hint of garlic. Let's explore how our premium knife selection can transform your preparation process into an effortless art, making this dish an unforgettable part of your summer cuisine.
The Essence of Gazpacho
Originating from the warm climes of Spain, gazpacho is a cold soup that captures the freshness of its ingredients. Our cucumber version is a lighter take, offering a cooling respite from the summer heat, with each spoonful bringing a burst of fresh, zesty flavours.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 small sweet onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 green bell pepper, cored and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cold water, adjust as needed
- Ice cubes, for serving
Instructions
Preparing the Vegetables:
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by peeling and roughly chopping the cucumbers. The aim is not precision but ensuring the pieces are small enough to blend smoothly.
- Chop the Bell Pepper and Onion: Core the green bell pepper and quarter the sweet onion.
- Prepare the Garlic and Herbs: Peel the garlic cloves and gather the fresh parsley and basil leaves.
Blending the Gazpacho:
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the cucumbers, bell pepper, onion, garlic, parsley, basil, white wine vinegar, olive oil, and cold water. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick, adjust the consistency with more cold water.
- Chill: Pour the gazpacho into a large container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavours to meld and the soup to chill thoroughly.
Serving:
- Serve Chilled: Ladle the gazpacho into bowls. Add a few ice cubes to each bowl to keep it extra cold. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with a sprig of basil or parsley for a touch of elegance.
Knife Highlight: Global G-77 Cooks Knife Fluted 20cm
- Use Case: Chopping cucumbers and green bell peppers.
- Why It's Special: The Global G-2 offers impeccable balance and a sharp edge that glides through vegetables, making it ideal for preparing the bulk of our ingredients.
Knife Highlight: Shun Kai Classic Santoku Knife 18cm
- Use Case: Dicing onions and coring bell peppers.
- Why It's Special: The Shun Santoku uses advanced, high-performance steel so blades can be made thinner, lighter, and sharper. Making it effortless to prepare your favourite dishes in style.
Knife Highlight: Wusthof Performer Paring Knife 9cm
- Use Case: Peeling garlic and finely chopping herbs.
- Why It's Special: With its razor-sharp edge and comfortable handling, the Shun paring knife is perfect for peeling garlic and achieving a fine chop on the herbs, ensuring their flavours are fully released into the gazpacho.
Closing Thoughts
This Cucumber Gazpacho is a celebration of summer's bounty, offering a refreshing and healthy addition to any meal. The precision and quality of your knives, from the versatile Global Chef's Knife to the delicate Shun Paring Knife, can elevate your cooking experience, turning simple ingredients into a gourmet dish.
House of Knives is proud to support your culinary adventures with our selection of premium knives. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cooking enthusiast, the right tools can transform your kitchen into a place of creativity, joy, and delicious meals.
Stay tuned for more seasonal recipes and tips from House of Knives. Here's to a summer filled with delightful flavours and memorable moments around the table.
Bon Appétit!
