PINEAPPLE GAZPACHO

Inspired by the chilled, flavorful soups from the Andalusia region of southern Spain, this modern twist with pineapple makes a light and refreshing summer meal.

FOR THE SOUP:

2 cups cucumber, roughly

chopped

1 cup cantaloupe, roughly

chopped

1 cup pineapple, roughly

chopped

1 garlic clove

1 shallot

⅓ cup water

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil FOR THE GARNISH: 5 teaspoons cucumber, roughly

chopped and divided 5 teaspoons cantaloupe,

roughly chopped and divided 5 teaspoons pineapple, roughly

chopped and divided 5 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil,

divided

10 teaspoons micro arugula,

divided

5 slices crispy prosciutto (see

note)

To prepare cucumber, cantaloupe and pineapple, remove the seeds and peels of each, then roughly chop and set aside enough for the soup and the garnish. Add the garlic clove and shallot to a food processor or blender, and chop until finely minced. Add 2 cups of cucumber and 1 cup each of cantaloupe and pineapple to the food processor and blend until pureed.

Next, add water, salt and olive oil, then blend until fully incorporated.

Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 24 to allow the flavors to fully incorporate. To serve, pour gazpacho into five bowls and drizzle each with a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil. Then, top each bowl with a teaspoon each of cucumber, cantaloupe and pineapple, 2 teaspoons each of micro arugula, and one piece of crispy prosciutto.

To make crispy prosciutto, brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Arrange in a single layer on either a wire rack or parchment paper on top of a cookie sheet, and bake at 400 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meat has become crispy. Makes 5 servings

Note:

THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE/TNS LAUREN J. MAPP/ Pineapple Gazpacho. Inspired by the chilled, flavorful soups from the Andalusia region of southern Spain, this modern twist with pineapple makes a light and refreshing summer meal.