I'm a bit shameless when it comes to asking for recipes. If I'm in a restaurant or a cafe or even at someone's house I will always ask for one to add to my collection. It's a decidedly small contingent these days that endeavour to keep a recipe secret. After all, as my friend Jose said when I asked him for his delicious tortilla recipe, food is for sharing.

On this last visit to Spain I had a couple of delicious soups - both classics in the Spanish repertoire. Ajo Blanco is the first, a white, smooth almond and garlic soup sometimes made with grapes. The second, the recipe I have secured for your summer party enjoyment today, is for the inimitable gazpacho. Many recipes call for vinegar, some for bread, but this is a particularly tasty and light version, perfect to start an alfresco meal. This recipe comes from tapas bar El Molinon in Valencia.

Gazpacho El Molinon 

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 1 kg ripe tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 1 red pepper
• ½ a Spanish onion
• 1 clove of garlic

Method

Blend the ingredients together in a food processor or with a stick blender, adding a bit of oil and a bit of salt to taste. Once it's all processed, if it seems too thick, add a bit of water to make it more liquid.

Serve with some home-made croutons.