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Musky Mellow Gazpacho --------------------- Gazpacho started out in Spain as a bread-based soup but has evolved into a tomato-based soup with a kind of chopped-up salad in it. My version takes advantage of the common tropical practice of using fruits as vegetables when they're underripe. I use papayas and avocados, both of which have a rich kind of muskiness that is cut by the acidity of the tomato and lime juices. 6 cups tomato juice 2/3 cup papaya juice (you may substitute mango or pineapple juice) 2 slightly underripe papayas, peeled, seeded, and diced medium (you may substitute slightly underripe mangoes) 2 avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced medium 1/2 red bell pepper, diced small 1/2 green bell pepper, diced small 1/2 red onion, diced small 3 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 1/2 limes) 4 dashes Tabasco sauce 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients gently. Allow to stand, covered and refrigerated, for at least 2 hours–4 to 6 hours is ideal. Will keep for up to 4 days, covered and refrigerated. Serves 4 as appetizer. From: Big Flavors of the Hot Sun by Chris Schlesinger and John Willoughby |