Spiked Gazpacho with Grilled Shrimp

2018 Summer edition 'Shakers Magazine

Summer is here and its time for something refreshing and cool to serve at your next gathering. This is a classic Spanish cuisine and eaten primarily during the summer months. There are many different varieties of Gazpacho. Here is my version of this delightful dish. This recipe is packed with an abundance of summer fruits and vegetable. Putting a twist in my recipe making it an adult gazpacho by adding vodka one of my favorite brand is Re-Find a handcrafted vodka made in the first craft distillery in Paso Robles, Ca. This vodka can be found to purchase at Surf N Sand General Store located in Carmel.  Get creative and serve in beautiful cups or bowls topping with; grilled shrimp, house made croutons, avocado or micro greens. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 5 large Tomatoes, blanch, remove skin and seeds
• 1 large English Cucumber, seeded and diced
• 1 green Bell Pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 red Bell Pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 medium Sweet Onion, finely chopped
• 3-4  Garlic Clove, minced
• 1/8 cup of Red Wine Vinegar
• 1/2 cup Re-Find Vodka, extra on side to sip (can use any vodka)
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon Lime Juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 teaspoon Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2  cups Spicy Vegetable juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1/4 dried Oregano
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• 24 Grilled shrimp, 3-4 to each serving
• Optional: Fresh jalapeno, finely chopped
• Optional: Grilled shrimp, croutons, flat leaf parsley, micro greens, avocado or go all out and garnish with them all.

Directions:

• On medium high heat in a pot filled with water, heat until boiling stage and drop tomatoes in to blanch for 30 seconds or until skin splits.  
• Remove tomatoes set aside to cool then peel skin off.  Cut in half and remove seeds.
• In a food processor add tomatoes, peppers, cucumber and onion, pulse for 1 -2 minutes. 
• Add remaining ingredients and blend to fully mix. Do not over process. Keeping the gazpacho slightly coarse. 
• If you want a chunkier gazpacho mix in another 1/2 English cucumber, finely chopped and seeded.
• Chill for one hour before serving.
• Garnish with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!
• If making without Vodka add additional 1/2 cup of spicy vegetable juice.

Serves 6-8 

This page dedicated to my father in law Gino. Keeping his spirit alive using his special shot glasses, Alla Salute!