Gazpacho Soup

Summer's really taking it's toll. It's sweltering hot here in Mumbai and I had to take a break from the routine cooking in front of the stove and try something refreshing and light. While searching for something like that, I came across a recipe of the Gazpacho in one of my dailies. I made it with a few alterations and served it with Chicken and Cheese Toasts to make my perfect meal for a hot summer day.

To mention a bit about the Gazpacho. It is a tomato based vegetable soup that originated in Spain and is now a favorite world over. It is served chilled especially during the summer months and makes a great starter to any meal. If thinned a bit, it can be served as a refreshing drink as well.

The traditional Gazpacho requires no cooking and is made using raw vegetables. But I made a few changes to the recipe to suit my palate. I roasted the veggies for a little cooked flavor and sprinkled my favorite herbs for seasoning. Here's the recipe for you to try.

Mango Ice Cream topped with Chocolate Sauce

I love Mangoes and everything made out of them. My favorite variety is the Alphonso for it's sheer richness of flavor, sweetness, color and fragrance. I simply love the smell of fresh Alphonso mangoes. If I could, I'd have my kitchen smelling of it all year through.

 
And with summer here, it's time to go mango munching again. Nothing beats the summer heat better than ice cream and with fresh mangoes lying deliciously in my kitchen, how could I resist myself from making some rich and creamy mango ice cream.