Soak the bread: Place the torn bread pieces in a Mixing Bowl and pour about ¼ cup of ½ cup cold water plus more to adjust consistency over them. Let soak for 5 minutes until softened. This helps emulsify the soup and gives it body.

Rinse peppers under cold water and pat dry. Slice off tops and bottoms, stand upright, and cut down along the inside to remove seeds and white ribs. Slice lengthwise into ½-inch strips; halve crosswise for shorter pieces. Keep sizes uniform so everything cooks evenly. If adding onion, slice it now. Measure out olive oil, salt, and pepper. Have everything ready before the pan goes on — sautéing moves fast.

Heat a large Skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil per 2 peppers; warm 30–60 seconds until shimmering. Add pepper strips in a single layer — work in batches if crowded. Season with salt and pepper, stir to coat. Cook over medium heat, stirring every 2–3 minutes, for 6–10 minutes. At 6 minutes: slightly softened with snap. At 10 minutes: tender throughout with light color. For very soft peppers, cook 30–40 minutes over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Add garlic halfway through cooking. If browning too fast, add a splash of white wine or water and briefly cover to steam.

Rinse peppers under cold water and pat dry. Slice off tops and bottoms, stand upright, and cut down along the inside to remove seeds and white ribs. Slice lengthwise into ½-inch strips; halve crosswise for shorter pieces. Keep sizes uniform so everything cooks evenly. If adding onion, slice it now. Measure out olive oil, salt, and pepper. Have everything ready before the pan goes on — sautéing moves fast.

Heat a large Skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil per 2 peppers; warm 30–60 seconds until shimmering. Add pepper strips in a single layer — work in batches if crowded. Season with salt and pepper, stir to coat. Cook over medium heat, stirring every 2–3 minutes, for 6–10 minutes. At 6 minutes: slightly softened with snap. At 10 minutes: tender throughout with light color. For very soft peppers, cook 30–40 minutes over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Add garlic halfway through cooking. If browning too fast, add a splash of white wine or water and briefly cover to steam.

Rinse peppers under cold water and pat dry. Slice off tops and bottoms, stand upright, and cut down along the inside to remove seeds and white ribs. Slice lengthwise into ½-inch strips; halve crosswise for shorter pieces. Keep sizes uniform so everything cooks evenly. If adding onion, slice it now. Measure out olive oil, salt, and pepper. Have everything ready before the pan goes on — sautéing moves fast.

Heat a large Skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil per 2 peppers; warm 30–60 seconds until shimmering. Add pepper strips in a single layer — work in batches if crowded. Season with salt and pepper, stir to coat. Cook over medium heat, stirring every 2–3 minutes, for 6–10 minutes. At 6 minutes: slightly softened with snap. At 10 minutes: tender throughout with light color. For very soft peppers, cook 30–40 minutes over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Add garlic halfway through cooking. If browning too fast, add a splash of white wine or water and briefly cover to steam.

Strain (optional but recommended): For an ultra-silky result, pour the blended soup through a Sieve set over a large Mixing Bowl, pressing with a Ladle or Wooden Spoon to extract all the liquid. Skip this step if you prefer a more rustic, textured gazpacho.

Chill thoroughly: Cover the Mixing Bowl (or transfer to a pitcher or Airtight Container) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. Gazpacho improves significantly as it chills and the flavors meld — don't rush this step.

Taste before serving: After chilling, taste again and adjust 1 tsp kosher salt plus more and vinegar if needed — cold temperatures can mute flavors, so you may need a touch more seasoning.