I have never been one to stand up to the hot summer sun in Seville. I made the poor decision one year to cycle home from my friend Stacy’s house at 3pm. In August. Trying to beat the Sevici’s 30-minute limit.
I was shaking by the time I got home, and the Novio had to stick me in the shower, clothes on, so that I’d cool down. After that, it was a cold glass of gazpacho and I felt immediately better.
When the temperatures start to rise in Seville, I find that my only defense are cold showers, the AC in our living room and an always full glass of gazpacho.
What it is: A cold, tomato-based soup made of little more than tomatoes, green peppers, cucumber, salt, garlic, olive oil and vinegar. It’s not only a simple dish, but it’s simple to make! Often, a garnish or onions and cucumbers is sprinkled on top, and some choose to eat the dish (well, drink it, really) with croutons on top, too.
Where it comes from: Gazpacho is said to have been invented by the Arabs, but it’s now a staple in Andalusian gastronomy, thanks to the hot summer days. Variations are numerous, including gazpacho manchego, which I tried in Calpe, or by substituting tomatoes for anything else. My favorite? Watermelon gazpacho!
Goes great with: The Novio and I usually use gazpacho as a primer to just about anything we’ll eat. It’s also perfect for practicing the Spanish habit of hacer el barquito, or mopping up the remains with a piece of bread.
Where to get it in Seville: I prefer to make my own gazpacho, though I have fond memories of my first few days in sweltering Seville, drinking it by the glass full in the original Bodeguita Romero on Antonia Díaz.
Are you a gazpacho fiend? Have certain go-to tapa, or want to see something featured on Sunshine and Siestas? Leave me a message in the comments!
Oh Cat, I remember that day, it was really hot! Love that I made it into one of your posts! xo
Of course, dear! You should have seen me that day…I’ll take the car next time!
I can imagine. San Jerónimo to el Cerro is not exactly close, jaja.
Can you share your recipe?
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Here you have it, dear! Add the garlic, and it’s heart-healthy! http://sunshineandsiestas.com/2011/06/07/me-importa-un-pepino/
Fiend is an understatement… I am never without a batch in the fridge all summer long. It instantly puts a smile on my face and makes my tummy happy. I use a pinch of cumin to give it a, “umm what’s that little something”. :o)
I love gazpacho! We made it a lot last summer when we just wanted to die from the heat!
Yum! And it is very refreshing!
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I love gazpacho and make it during the summer when the tomatoes are really good. I like it spicy. The summers in Seville are killers, I understand.
Miss Footloose | Life in the Expat Lane recently posted..Living Abroad: Books About Living the Expat Life
Oy chica, that sounds like you had the beginning symptoms of heat stroke/dehydration. I’m assuming you never made the mistake of trying that again in Sevilla’s heat!!
But I agree, gazpacho is the perfect way to cool down.
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Yep, I’m pretty sure it was heatstroke! Thank goodness I have a car now, and Seville will be a ghost town in August!
Gazpacho is one of my favorite soups! There’s nothing like it when the weather is hot, and I love the thought of getting so many veggies so easily. Whenever we’re in Spain and see it on the menu, that’s what we order.
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Agreed! You’ve probably seen salmorejo more often on menus, but I’d venture to guess that you’d like it, too!
That is a one good delicious post 🙂
We’ve been to Madrid last month and we loved their cuisine, can’t wait to visit the southern part of Spain too.
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Thanks, y’all! You know where I’ll be…and probably drinking gazpacho anyway!
That will be nice for sure, we would love to visit this part of the country and see the famous Andalusian history/architecture. Will let you know when we are there and keep gazpacho ready 🙂
Digital Nomads recently posted..Baños Travel Guide: the City of a Thousand Hostels
I’ve never tried gazpacho, but your description of it makes it sound really tasty. I have tried a chilled strawberry soup in Portugal that I thought was divine. Wonder if it’s similar…
What a yummy way to beat the heat!
Yummy, yes, and one of the few ways to beat the heat! There’s a recipe linked, let me know if you try it!
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I have to admit I’m not a big gazpacho fan. i like my soups hot.
But maybe I should try out yours:-)
Sofie @ Wonderful Wanderings recently posted..#Frifotos: smiling around the world
I am a huge soup person, but an even bigger tomato person! You may find you like it, especially when the temps are up! Thanks for visiting, Sofie!
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