Gazpacho

I recommend making this dish when and only when you can find excellent fresh ripe tomatoes, red throughout.

  • 2-3 pounds fresh ripe tomatoes
  • 1-2 cucumbers
  • 1 small red onion
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 bunch scallions
  • 2 serrano chiles. or to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped basil
  • 1/4 cup chopped coriander
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Core the tomatoes, dunk in boiling water for twenty seconds, and peel. Cut each tomato in half (through the equator) and gently squeeze out the seeds and juice. Chop fine and place in a mixing bowl.

Peel the cucumbers, cut in half longitudinally, scoop out the seeds with a spoon, and chop fine. Peel the onion and garlic and mince, along with the chiles, basil, and coriander. Add all ingredients to the tomatoes, mix well, and chill.