Cucumber Gazpacho: A geefee Recipe

No-Cook Cucumber Gazpacho with Seasonal Cucumbers

When we heard that a lot of cucumbers were harvested from the home garden, the first thing we made was this cold gazpacho. It's a dish that can be whipped up quickly without using heat, and adding avocado makes it creamy and satisfying. To be honest, at first I thought, "Will just cucumbers be enough?" but the combination of avocado and lime juice was surprisingly perfect.

Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Ingredients (2-3 servings)

• Cucumber: 3 (about 400g)
• Avocado: 1 (ripe)
• Cilantro: 1/4 cup (or to taste)
• Avocado oil: 2 tablespoons (olive oil can also be used)
• Lime juice: 1 tbsp (lemon also works)
• Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp
• Sea salt: 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
• Green chilies: 2-5 (adjust to your preferred spiciness; removing the seeds makes them milder)
• Garlic: 1 clove (optional)
• Cayenne pepper, paprika powder: a pinch (for garnish)
• Finishing water or ice: 1-3 tablespoons as needed

Instructions

1. You can use the cucumber with the skin on, but if you're concerned about bitterness, peel a little, cut it in half, and use a spoon to remove the seedy parts. Cut into irregular chunks.
2. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Roughly chop the cilantro. If desired, remove the seeds from the green chili and slice it into rounds; grate or mince the garlic.
3. Blend all ingredients (cucumber, avocado, cilantro, oil, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, green chili, garlic) in a blender until smooth. If the consistency is too thick, add 1-3 tablespoons of water or ice to adjust.
4. Chilling it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious. Serve in a bowl, sprinkle with chopped paprika, a drizzle of olive oil, and a dash of cayenne pepper, and it's ready to enjoy.

Nutritional and Beauty Benefits

Cucumbers are about 95% water and contain potassium and vitamin C, which can help with diuresis and reduce swelling. Avocados, on the other hand, are rich in good monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid), dietary fiber, vitamin E, and potassium, all of which help moisturize the skin and maintain satiety. From our experience, lightly drinking this soup in the morning reduced our snacking until the afternoon, and even when we were feeling the effects of summer fatigue, it stimulated our appetite.

However, avocado oil and avocados themselves are high in calories, so if you're on a diet, it's a good idea to adjust by reducing the amount of oil or using only half an avocado. As a guideline, this recipe serves 2-3 people and contains approximately 180-270 kcal per person (this will vary depending on the amount of oil used).

Tips for Arranging, Storing, and Cooking

Arrangement Ideas

• If you don't like cilantro, you can substitute basil or Italian parsley for a refreshing taste.
• Adding a small amount of tomato makes it taste more like gazpacho. Topping it with prosciutto or grilled shrimp makes for an easy appetizer.
• For vegetarians, we also recommend adding a small amount of yogurt to make it milder.

Storage and Precautions

• Store in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Avocados tend to discolor over time, so when storing them, place them in an airtight container and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to slow down oxidation.
• If using raw garlic or green chilies, the spiciness and pungency will be stronger, so please start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. For children or those sensitive to spice, it's still delicious even without them.
• Depending on your blender's performance, it might be difficult to achieve a smooth consistency. In that case, you can extend the blending time or blend in small batches.

Summary

Cucumber gazpacho is an easy, no-cook recipe that's perfect for summer. We tried it ourselves, and adding avocado made it more satisfying, transforming it into a versatile dish that works for lunch or as an appetizer. Another great thing about it is that you can adjust the spiciness and consistency to your liking by tweaking the ingredients. If you have fresh cucumbers from your home garden, please give it a try. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect bowl!

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.