Description
Gazpacho is a common Spanish summer food, a mostly raw tomato and bell pepper refreshing cold soup. This is my Eastern-style version, with a tomato and coconut milk based and mung bean sprout garnish. As an ideal food for those on a predominantly raw foods diet coconut milk is an important pantry staple for those on a raw vegan diet for a few reasons:
- It contains vitamin C and vitamins B1, B3, B5 and B6 (B6 is the notorious vitamin that the average vegetarian diet often lacks).
- It contains a number of minerals too, including selenium (an anti-oxidant mineral known for it’s beautifying properties), calcium (so it’s a good thing it’s a dairy substitute), magnesium (suitable for maintaining mineral density in the bones) and phosphorus (known as an energy storing mineral).
- It is so creamy and delicious! So much so that it doesn’t feel like you’re missing out on taste and texture if you substitute milk or cream for it in a number of recipes. I even use it for Thai-style scrambled eggs with chilli, ginger and coriander.
This recipe serves 2-3.
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Ingredients
Large heirloom or plum tomatoes, 4
Yellow pepper, 1
Large cucumbers, 2
Fresh spinach leaves or kale, a handful
Natural coconut milk, 1 can
Lime, zest and juice, 1-2
Garlic, minced, 2 tbsp
Ginger, minced, 1 tbsp
Soya sauce, a splash
Fresh coriander, chopped, a handful
Fresh Thai basil, chopped, a handful
Mung bean sprouts, a handful
Sea salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
Extra-virgin olive oil, a few drizzles
Black or white sesame seeds, to garnish
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Preparation
1. Roughly chop all ingredients, setting aside some thin bell peppers slices and herbs for garnish.
2. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
3. Season a little more to your liking and add the mung beans sprouts, herbs and bell peppers slices for garnish.
4. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, a little soya sauce and lime juice and serve cold as a starter, side dish or snack.
Optional
Add a pinch of chilli or a homemade Vegetarian Sambal Sauce.
Alternative Options
Substitute the sesame seeds for ground or roughly chopped cashew nuts or almonds too if you prefer.
