Gazpacho, the quintessential Spanish cold soup, is a refreshing and flavorful escape from the summer heat. This classic recipe gets a delightful twist with the addition of crispy chickpea croutons, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth, tangy broth. Whether you’re a seasoned gazpacho lover or new to this culinary delight, this recipe is sure to impress.

Most traditional gazpacho recipes include crusty bread as one of the key ingredients. However, this healthier, gluten-free version features crispy chickpea “croutons” as an alternative.

Tip: Blending the fresh herbs with the vegetables yields a more robust, uniform flavor. However, this also affects the color of the finished soup. For a brighter red color, don’t blend the fresh herbs with the other ingredients when preparing. Finely mince and stir them in after blending, instead.

Prep time: 20 minutes + chilling time
Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Chickpea “Crouton” Ingredients:

1 15.5-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided
1½ t. ground cumin
½ t. smoked paprika
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Gazpacho Ingredients:

1 medium red onion, roughly chopped
One large red bell pepper, roughly chopped
One large cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
5 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
2-3 fresh garlic cloves
¾ c. water
2 T. red wine vinegar
3 T. fresh lemon juice, divided
¼ c. fresh basil, roughly chopped
½ c. fresh parsley, chopped
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 medium avocado
Optional: Sprigs of fresh basil and/or parsley, for garnish

Directions:

1. Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 400°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper or a Silpat® baking mat. Set aside.
   
2. In a medium bowl, toss the chickpeas with one tablespoon of olive oil, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and toss to combine.
   
3. Spread seasoned chickpeas onto the prepared baking sheet and place in the pre-heated oven to roast until golden-brown and crispy, approximately 15-20 minutes. For more uniform results, turn the chickpeas or give the pan a good shake halfway through cooking.
   
4. Meanwhile, finely dice one quarter of the red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber. Set aside.
   
5. Place the tomatoes, plus the remaining red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber in a food processor or high-powered blender. Add the garlic, water, red wine vinegar, two tablespoons lemon juice, and fresh herbs. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and quickly pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth.
   
6. Transfer the gazpacho to a large glass or other non-reactive bowl. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to overnight to chill.
   
7. Once the chickpeas are golden and crispy, remove from oven and set aside to cool. They will become crispier as they cool. Store in an airtight container if using the next day.
   
8. Right before serving, dice the avocado and toss with the remaining tablespoon lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
   
9. Before serving, taste the gazpacho and adjust seasonings, as desired. Transfer the chilled soup into individual serving bowls and top with some of the finely diced red onion, bell pepper, and cucumber. Garnish with the crispy chickpeas, diced avocado, and sprigs of fresh herbs, if using. Enjoy!

This refreshing Chilled Gazpacho with Crunchy Chickpea Croutons is the perfect appetizer or light meal for any summer gathering. The vibrant flavors and satisfying textures will leave your guests craving more. Enjoy this delicious and healthy dish and savor the taste of summer in every bite.

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