Recipe for Gazpacho with Grilled Shrimp and Avocado at Life's Ambrosia

We’re experiencing quite the heat wave here. Forecasters are saying that today may be the hottest day Seattle has ever seen. A whopping 101 degrees is expected. It may not sound too hot to some of you but man oh man we just aren’t used to this kind of heat in Western Washington. It is because of this hot weather that I bring you this soup recipe. But don’t worry its not a hot soup, its a cold soup filled with all kinds of fresh veggies and topped with grilled shrimp and avocado. Perfectly refreshing for a hot summer day.

For the longest time this soup has been one of those recipes that I had no real desire to try. I mean it is cold soup, and that is something that is a little bit out of my comfort zone. I like my soup to warm my belly. To comfort me on cold winter days. Recently, however, as I explore more with cooking, I decided that it was time to step out of my comfort zone and give this cold soup a try. I could slap myself for waiting so long.

There is really not much to not like about this soup. Cool cucumbers, onions, garlic, tomatoes and bell peppers spend the night in the refrigerator and make beautiful flavor babies. The grilled shrimp and avocado are their cute new outfits.

Serves 6-8

You will need:

5 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, chopped
handful of fresh parsley
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno, chopped (optional)
juice of 2 lemons, divided
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
4 cups tomato juice
3 avocados
1 pound medium prawns, peeled and deveined
olive oil
kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper

In a food processor or blender combine the tomatoes, onion, red and green bell peppers, cucumber, garlic, parsley and jalapeno (if using) and pulse until desired consistency. The mixture should be chunky.
Transfer vegetable mixture to a large bowl, add juice of 1 lemon, white wine vinegar, cayenne pepper (if using) and tomato juice. Stir to combine. Season to taste with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Cover and chill for several hours or over night. The longer the better.
Shortly before you are ready to eat, preheat your outdoor grill to med-high.
Halve and remove the pit from the avocados. Drizzle with olive oil and remaining lemon juice. Set aside
Skewer shrimp, season with kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
Place the avocados flesh side down on the grill, and cook for 3 minutes. Allow to cool slightly. Remove the flesh from the skin, slice.
Place the shrimp skewers on the grill and cook until pink. About 3-5 minutes.
Remove cold soup from refrigerator. Stir and check seasonings, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
Ladle cold soup into bowls. Place grilled avocado and shrimp on top.

I made this last night and served it with grilled french bread. It was so refreshing that I quickly forgot how hot the temperature in my house was.

Enjoy!

Responses to "Gazpacho with Grilled Shrimp and Avocado"

“
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. My daughter and her family are coming from out of town tomorrow for a 9 day visit. The heat has made me feel physically ill and I have tried to figure out what to fix for dinner tomorrow night and now I know. I am picking them up at the Portland airport and will be home late so I can make this tonight and it will be ready except for the grilling. Thanks again.
Wilting in Boston Harbor country area
”

- Candra

“
You’re welcome Candra! I am with you on the heat. It is just awful here too. I hope you and your family enjoy this! It should be a refreshing meal :)
”

- Deseree

“
OMG, what a hot day today! I was wondering what yo would make today! Cold soups are just the fit for these days.
”

- Rita

“
Looks great. Love the grilled shrimp.
”

- cassie

“
I haven’t made any gazpachos this year, inspite of us having 100 + temperature for the past 1.5 months. The avocado & the shrimps with it sound lovely.
”

- Soma

“
Now, this is my kind of gazpacho! I tried a green one last year and was amazing. The avocado and shrimp addition must be heavenly.
”

- Ben

“
I’m typically not a fan of cold soup either, but I’m just learning to love gazpacho- especially on hot days like the ones you’re having!
”

- Amy

“
Made this soup last night, comes together very quickly. Had some for lunch today and it is really wonderful. Have bought the shrimp and avocados and plan on preparing them with it for tonight. My husband loved it, and he is the gazpacho lover! We are having heat and humidity here in Massachusetts also and this is just great for that kind of weather>
”

- Marilyn

“
Marilyn- The fact that it comes together so quickly is something that I really love about this soup. I am glad to hear that you and your husband like it, especially since he is a gazpacho lover! Heat and humidity is no fun at all. Hopefully this soup helps :)
”

- Deseree