Thursday, August 27, 2009

golden gazpacho

So many people are growing their own gardens this year. The carnivore and I managed to plant a huge pot of herbs and a couple of tomato plants. Luckily we have been very successful on both accounts.

However, there is one small glitch in our tomato growing enterprise - the carnivore doesn't eat them. Thus, I have been forced to become creative about how to use all of these little beauties. Recently, I came across a recipe for a golden gazpacho in my Body +Soul magazine. I then saw the most amazing tiny yellow heirloom tomatoes at the farmer's market, and I just knew that they would go great with some of my homegrown ones in a chilled soup on these hot summer days.

To make this gazpacho you will need:
2 lbs of yellow heirloom tomatoes
1 small squash
1/4 yellow onion
4 mini yellow bell peppers
4 mini orange bell peppers
1 garlic clove
1/2 cup of carrot juice
2 tblsp of red wine vinegar
2 tblsp of olive oil
salt and pepper
tomato and avocado diced on top


Simply blend the above ingredients one at a time in your blender. (I did use my new juicer for the carrot juice). Top with the (homegrown) tomato and avocado. Then chill for at least an hour. You can store it an airtight container for a few days in the fridge. I like to use a juice storage container because then it can be easily poured into bowls. It gets even better the second day in my opinion.

This bowl is low in fat and packs in lots of great nutrients - like vitamin C and lycopene. It is a lovely lunch and a great use for all those tomatoes you have grown this year.

Got more creative ways to use up my tomatoes? Let me know by leaving a comment below. I'd love to hear from you.

5 comments:

  1. Looks yummy! One question, when you say "squash" do you mean zucchini and such?

    Thanks, I'll give this one a try...it's supposed to be hot today and my kitchen counter is loaded with yellow cherry tomatoes and San Marzanos!
    Did you hear about that "Tomato Season" blog event? A bunch of folks are posting about their tomato recipes. Neat idea to network. Here's one of the posts: http://awaytogarden.com Scroll down until you see the tomato sauce post. I think you can post on there that you have a tomato recipe too.

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  2. i love this! its like a more socially acceptable way for me to eat spoonfuls of salsa :p

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  3. Mmmm looks delish! I'm definitely going to pick up some fresh tomatoes this weekend and try.

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  4. ivy - thanks for the heads up on the tomato event. i will check that out. and when i say squash, i mean yellow squash. hope that's clearer!

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  5. I've been making a batch every week this summer. I like to take it to lunch at work, but before I leave, I spoon a dallop of pesto on top. Gives it a really good garlicky kick!!

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