Zara Strawberry & Red Pepper Gazpacho

I love a chilled gazpacho in the summer. It is the perfect summer starter and can be made in no time at all. Bung it all in a blender and ta da! I love to serve mine almost as an Aperitivo in small glasses whilst my guests chatter away. I’ve used British Zara strawberries for this which add a beautiful subtle sweetness to this gazpacho and match perfectly with the pepper. I use jarred peppers for this for ease but you could also roast the peppers yourself. You can make the gazpacho a day ahead and keep it chilled to save time too.

| Serves 6 as a starter |

Ingredients

400g jarred Romano peppers, rinsed and drained
500g Zara strawberries, washed with stems removed ( note you will have roughly 460g once prepped)
3 large tomatoes quartered with seeds and white core removed
1/2 cucumber de-seeded
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp sherry or red wine vinegar
1-2 tsp salt
A good grind of black pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
To serve
freshly chopped cucumber (deseeded) and strawberries

Method

Ensure you have all your ingredients prepped.
Place all the ingredients into a blender and blitz until smooth.
Taste for seasoning (adding salt and pepper to your preference). Chill until ready to serve.
To serve, pour into glasses, bowls or ramekins. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper and chopped cucumber and strawberries.

If you are looking for more Summer recipes try this Summer Pea and Grana Padano Sourdough Bruschetta or this Fried Courgette Flowers With Ricotta.