This is a delicious South-of-the-Border inspired fresh vegetable soup garnished with creamy non-dairy sour cream. Raw vegetable soups are healthy, easy to digest, and unbelievably good. I make a raw soup at least once a week. It’s become a healthy and intentional addiction around our home and I always vary the ingredients so we can enjoy a multitude of flavors and textures. Variety is definitely the spice of life in our kitchen. A few weeks ago I made a lovely Seasoned Cauliflower & Broccoli Soup w/Jasmine. And this lively and colorful soup is another favorite.
This beautiful soup includes several nightshade vegetables. Tomatoes, onion, garlic, and zucchini are all loaded with phytochemicals, vitamins, antioxidants and carotenoids. I also included fresh herbs such as parsley and cilantro which are high in Vitamin K and flavonoids; essential for strong bones and healthy blood clotting. Vitamin K has been shown to be particularly helpful in alleviating varicose veins and broken capillaries; something many women in particular suffer from. All of these nutrients boost your well-being and can help prevent and treat disease.
A few spices like cumin and coriander were tossed in to further spice up this already intense soup and provide additional healing. Each spoonful literally sings with flavor and nutrients. Getting your 5 servings a day is so easy.
The main ingredient in this soup as with all gazpachos is the tomato. Tomatoes are technically considered fruit because they contain seeds but most people use them as vegetables. There are approximately 7500 different varieties of tomatoes in the world. Really. You can usually encounter a number of varieties just at your local farmer’s market and grocery stores. I think I’ve tried no more than 20 altogether so I have a lot of catching up to do.
Although all of these varieties are still considered tomatoes, the taste can vary which makes it fun to try out new ones. A personal favorite is the heirloom tomato. Heirloom is generally considered to be a variety that has been passed down through several generations of a family, because of it’s valued characteristics. They are larger than most tomatoes, have fewer seeds, and come in a variety of colors. Try using several different tomatoes for this soup. It makes a spectacular presentation and adds even more nutrients.
Tomatoes are especially rich in vitamins A, C, E, potassium and antioxidants. One of the primary antioxidants — lycopene — has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of some cancers. Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment associated with the red color of tomatoes although it is present in orange and tangerine colored tomatoes as well. Researchers have discovered that there’s a definite connection between lycopene, its antioxidant properties, and bone health. Good job, tomato.
I added sour crème to this healthy low-fat soup for extra protein and flavor. This sour crème recipe produces a smooth and creamy dairy-free dressing. It’s great for those with lactose-intolerance but doesn’t stint on flavor. It can compliment most any savory dish: perfect in sweet dishes too. This sour crème can be used just like dairy sour crème. It’s purely optional but really adds a nice touch to this fantastic soup.
I hope you enjoy this bright and engaging soup. It’s a healthy dish with a whole lot of Latin flair that will have you coming back for more.
This recipe is dairy and gluten-free, and serves 2 – 4 persons.
Spicy Gazpacho Soup with So Easy Sour Crème
Gazpacho Soup:
- 1 1/2 cups of warm water
- 3/4 cup diced or cubed fresh zucchini
- 3/4 cup diced or cubed yellow squash
- 3-4 tomatoes cut in half
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup minced parsley
- 1/4 cup minced cilantro
- 2 Tbsp minced onion or ¼ cup chopped scallions
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander
- 2 Tbsp cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp chipotle powder (optional)
- Add tomatoes to a food processor.
- Process until chunky but not pureed. You want the tomatoes to still have some texture like crushed tomatoes.
- Transfer tomatoes to a large mixing bowl.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Set aside on the counter for one hour to allow the vegetables to soften. You can also warm this soup before serving.
- Yields about 4 cups.
- Can be stored refrigerated up to 5 days.
So Easy Sour Crème:
- 2 cups unsalted cashews
- 1 cup water
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides occasionally as needed. If it’s a bit too thick, add just enough water until you can start blending again.
- For optimal results, chill at least 30 minutes before using.
- Yields about 2 cups.
- Can be stored refrigerated up to 5 days.
To Serve:
- Add Spicy Gazpacho Soup to soup bowls.
- Add a dollop of So Easy Sour Crème.
- Serve and enjoy.
