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Creamy Avocado Pea Gazpacho
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Creamy Avocado Pea Gazpacho

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 3 to 4 (as main) or 6 to 8 (as appetizer/side)
Calories: 476kcal
Author: Nisha Vora

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (280g) fresh peas, shelled (I used English shelling peas)
  • 2 medium-large ripe avocados
  • 2 tablespoons good-quality extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Serrano pepper, stem removed and sliced in half (de-seed for a mild version, but I think the seeds are key for bringing some interest to this soup, and it’s not overly spicy)
  • 1 medium shallot, peeled and chopped in half
  • 1 medium English cucumber, very roughly chopped
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro (you can use the leaves and tender stems)
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, plus more to taste
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups (360 – 480 mL) water, plus more as needed
  • 1/2 cup (120 mL) full-fat coconut milk, plus more as needed (you can use lite coconut milk, or for a non-coconut milk, try unsweetened oat milk)
  • A generous amount of kosher salt or sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional Garnish Ideas: fresh cilantro and mint leaves (recommended), fresh shelled peas, hemp seeds, cucumber ribbons.

Instructions

  • Blanch the peas. Bring some water to a boil in a saucepan. Prepare an ice bath (a large bowl of ice water). Add the shelled peas to the boiling water. Wait for the water to return to a boil, then set a timer for 90 seconds. Immediately after, transfer the blanched peas to the ice bath to stop cooking and cool down. Once the peas are cold, drain them.
    1. NOTE: you can also steam the peas in the microwave. Simply add 2-3 tablespoons of water to a microwave-safe container, add the peas, cover, and microwave on high. Check every 2 minutes for doneness.
    2. NOTE: If using frozen peas, you need to defrost them but no need to blanch them.
  • Add the blanched and drained peas to a blender. Add the avocado flesh, olive oil, Serrano pepper, shallot, cucumber, cilantro, lime juice, 1 1/2 cups (360 mL) water, and coconut milk. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add the remaining 1/2 cup (120 mL) water to thin out.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add more lime juice for acidity or more cilantro for pungency. Taste again, and add more salt or pepper as needed.
  • Serve immediately at room temperature, or transfer to the fridge to serve chilled. This gazpacho is best on the day it’s made, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for 1-2 days (the avocado will start to go bad afterwards).