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Gazpacho

Gazpacho

Chef Larry Of Kruse And Muer
Those of you who grew up near Detroit, you should be very familiar with Kruze and Muer restaurants. The recipe below is a top to bottom look at this classic soup we all enjoyed. It will also include Chef Larry's Crouton's, Italian Vinaigrette and his Blessing recipe.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 people

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
  

GAZPACHO:

  • 1/2 green pepper finely diced
  • 1 large cucumber peeled, seeded, and finely diced (¼” cubes)
  • 1 piece pimiento finely diced OR 2 oz. Jar diced pimiento, drained
  • 1/2 large onion finely diced
  • 3 tbsp. parsley finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp. basil finely chopped
  • 1 large clove garlic minced
  • 1 cup Italian vinaigrette dressing(see below a good quality bottled Italian dressing
  • 6 large tomatoes peeled and seeded, OR a 14 oz. can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup tomato juice we use 2 12oz cans of V8 to give it more liquid
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • garnish with a dollop of sour cream & a few croutons

ITALIAN VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp. white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp. dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp. sugar
  • A dash of ground cumin

BLESSING aka Olive Oil Marinade:

  • 1 large garlic clove peeled
  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons dried basil
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

CROUTONS:

  • 4 ½ cups of ½” bread cubes
  • 1/4 cup of Chef Larry’s Blessing

Instructions
 

GAZPACHO -

  • Combine cucumber, green pepper, pimiento, & onion in a large bowl with parsley, basil & garlic.
  • Mix in Italian vinaigrette dressing(see below)
  • Coarsely chop tomatoes and add to soup with tomato juice (or V8)
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste
  • Chill until ready to serve
  • Serve in bowl garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a few croutons

ITALIAN Vinaigrette Dressing- Yield: 1 cup

  • In a bowl, whisk all ingredients together. Refrigerate.

HOMEMADE CROUTONS w/Chef Larry’s Blessing aka Olive Oil Marinade

    BLESSING aka Olive Oil Marinade Yield: 1¼ cups of blessing

    • In blender, emulsify garlic and olive oil.
    • Add spices, then turn blender on and off intermittently to mix thoroughly.
    • Store covered at room temperature until ready to use.
    • **"Blessing" will keep for about 1 week. Use blessing to: Baste grilled veggies, Toss with salad greens & croutons, Marinate meats, fish or fowl before grilling.

    CROUTONS Yield: 4 cups

    • Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet & drizzle with blessing.
      Home Make Croutons
    • Toast in 350F oven until golden brown.
    • Cool and store in airtight container until ready to use.
    Keyword Basil, Cucumber, onion, Pepper, Tomato