Gazpacho With Tomato-Basil Oil

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Cut half the onion, 2 of the cucumbers, ¾ of the bell pepper and the jalapeño into 1-inch pieces. Place in the bowl of a food processor or blender jar. Add Sungold tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and 2 teaspoons kosher salt or 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Blend at high speed until completely smooth. (If necessary, blend in batches, then stir together.)

2. Step 2

   Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl, and strain soup, using a spatula to help press the liquid through; discard the solids.

3. Step 3

   Finely dice remaining onion, cucumber and pepper, and add to soup; stir in vinegar. If desired, add water 1 tablespoon at a time to thin out the soup. Taste, and adjust salt and vinegar as needed. Cover, and chill soup for 45 minutes. (Chill 6 soup bowls now too.)

4. Step 4

   Make the basil oil: Finely chop the basil leaves. Place in a small bowl, and cover with the olive oil. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and a generous pinch of salt. Toss to combine, then taste and adjust salt. Set aside.

5. Step 5

   Make the croutons: Line a plate with paper towels. Set a 10-inch cast-iron pan over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the olive oil and 1 bread cube. When the cube starts to sizzle, add the remaining cubes, and stir gently to coat evenly in oil. Reduce heat to medium low, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring regularly, until croutons are golden-brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove croutons to the plate to drain, and season lightly with salt.

6. Step 6

   To assemble, ladle soup into chilled bowls. Garnish with basil oil and croutons. Serve immediately.