Gazpacho is like summer in a bowl. Such a simple dish requires the ripest ingredients and most delicious olive oil. Bonus: gazpacho actually tastes better the day after it is made. The flavors meld and become even more savory and satisfying.
Make a double batch of the Shawarma Chickpeas–they are addicting and make a great snack or add-in to salads.
Creamy Israeli Gazpacho
Servings
4 Servings
Ingredients
- 15- ounce can chickpeas drained and dried with a paper towel
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon shawarma spice mix
- Sea or kosher salt
- 1½ – 2 pounds ripe tomatoes
- 2 thick slices day-old bread or challah crusts trimmed off soaked in water, and wrung out
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1 shallot
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher or sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish: shawarma chickpeas tahini
Instructions
Shawarma Spiced Chickpeas:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, toss to coat chickpeas with 2 tablespoons of evoo then toss with spices.
- Spread chickpeas on lined baking sheet and roast for 40 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until dry and crispy.
Gazpacho:
- Blend tomatoes, bread, cucumber, shallot, garlic, vinegar and evoo in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- To serve ladle gazpacho into small glasses, bowls or favorite vessel. Drizzle with tahini and garnish with chickpeas.
Looks great!
I am allergic to cucumbers (all fruits in the melon family, for that matter). What may I substitute for cucumbers in this recipe?
Wow, I never heard of anyone allergic to cucumbers. You can leave them out or try green or red peppers.
If you have a very good blender you don’t have to peel them, if not you can peel them or strain the soup afterwards.
Did you peel the tomatoes??
We love the spices from The Spice House, just make sure to order from their kosher stores https://www.thespicehouse.com/shawarma-seasoning-middle-eastern-style-meat-seasoning or you can make your own blend, here is one of our recipes to make your own https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/shawarma-spiced-grilled-vegetables/
Lee, I found this elsewhere on Jamie’s blog here.
“If you can’t find Shawarma seasoning make your own with 1 tablespoon each coriander, cumin, cardamom, chili powder, steak seasoning plus 1 teaspoon smoked paprika”
Doesn’t this recipe sound yummy? I can’t wait to try it!
Where do I purchase the shawarma spice mix?