Watermelon Gazpacho

In the ingredient list there are separate quantities for chopped red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and jalapeño. The roughly chopped onion, pepper, cucumber and jalapeño will go into the blender or food processor to be puréed. The finely chopped vegetables will be added back into the soup after the rest of it has been puréed, to add more body to the soup.

Ingredients

• 1 red onion (1/2 cup roughly chopped, 1/2 cup finely chopped)
• 1-2 red bell peppers (1 cup roughly chopped, 3/4 cup finely chopped)
• 1-2 peeled and seeded cucumbers (1 cup roughly chopped, 1 cup finely chopped)
• 1 jalapeño pepper (1 Tbsp roughly chopped, 1 Tbsp finely chopped)
• 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
• 6 to 7 cups of chopped seedless watermelon
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup of red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp kosher salt
• 1 Tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnish

• Sour cream (or plain greek yogurt)
• Diced avocado
• Cilantro

Directions

1. Put the roughly chopped onion, bell pepper, cucumber, jalapeño and cilantro into a powerful blender. (Reserve the finely chopped vegetables for adding later.) Add the tomatoes and pulse until puréed. Add the watermelon and pulse again until smooth. If your blender isn’t big enough or if you prefer to use a food processor, you may need to work in batches. Pour into a large bowl.
2. Taste the gazpacho and add red wine vinegar to balance the sweetness of the watermelon and tomatoes. Depending on how sweet your watermelon is, and how acidic or sweet your tomatoes are, you may need to add less or more red wine vinegar. So, start with 1/4 cup of vinegar, and keep adding a tablespoon at a time until you’ve reached a balance you like.  Whisk in the salt and olive oil.
3. Stir in the finely chopped onions, bell pepper, cucumber, and jalapeño. Chill for at least an hour for the flavors so blend. (It’s even better chilled overnight.) Add more salt to taste if it needs it.
4. Garnish with sour cream, diced avocado and chopped fresh cilantro. Also good with a side of toasted rustic bread.

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