We’re in full-swing summer here. If the heat didn’t remind me everyday, the farmer’s market sure does. Peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers..you could make a whole meal out of these alone. So that’s just what I did.
I riffed off my sister’s gazpacho staple- the one she makes every summer with her unending supply of tomato and freezes for easy dinners later in the year. She literally makes gallons of it. While I love appreciating tomatoes in other ways, I did find this gazpacho was perfect for a particularly unbearably hot, humid, and languid weekend. I modified my sister’s recipe slightly, adapting it to what I bought at the market and what tasted balanced. I had purchased too many peaches I could physically eat, so I had sliced the leftovers and frozen them, planning to use them in smoothies. Then I found out they make the perfect addition to this gazpacho, adding a welcome sweetness to acidic tomatoes. Plus, they kept the mixture cooler as it whirled away in the blender. Of course, feel free to use fresh peaches. I recommend cooling the mixture in the fridge for an hour or so for the most refreshing soup.
The cilantro pesto is optional, but delicious. It lends a fresh, spicy flair, but you could forgo it entirely for a sprinkling of chopped herbs or a swirl of basil pesto--whatever you have on hand!
Peach and Tomato Gazpacho
4 large tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 cup sliced peaches, fresh or frozen (about 1 ½ peaches)
1 cucumber, seeded and roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 slices whole grain bread, torn into pieces
½ lime, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Cilantro and Pepita Pesto, optional (or fresh cilantro, chopped, or basil pesto)
In blender of food processor, process tomatoes, peaches, cucumber, and garlic until pureed. Add bread and lime juice and blend again. Slowly stream in oil as motor is running. Add a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Taste to adjust seasoning. Drizzle with pesto, if using, or sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs. Serve immediately, or chill in refrigerator prior to serving. Serves 4 as a light meal.