What components were likely crushed using a mortar and pestle in the earliest iterations of gazpacho?
Answer
Stale bread, garlic, olive oil, and water
The foundational history of gazpacho indicates that the earliest versions served agricultural workers were far simpler and did not feature tomatoes, which were introduced much later. These original preparations centered on making minimal ingredients substantial and thirst-quenching. The standard method involved physically crushing stale bread, garlic, and olive oil together with water, typically using manual tools like a mortar and pestle to break down the solids into a rough, nourishing liquid.

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