Grilled Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho

Directions

1. Brush heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, red pepper and shallots with olive oil, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Grill the tomatoes and red peppers for 10 minutes over medium heat and the zucchini and shallots for 5 minutes. Remove them from grill and let them cool slightly.
2. Place vegetable mixture, reserving one grilled zucchini into the blender or food processor and pulse until desired texture is reached. I typically prefer mine chunky, which requires about 5 - 6 pulses. Pour the mixture into a large non-reactive bowl.
3. Combine the cherry tomatoes with the 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, sherry vinegar and the lemon juice in the blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Pour mixture into the bowl and combine with the grilled vegetables. Fold in the diced cucumber and diced zucchini to the soup.
4. Chill the soup for 4 - 6 hours or overnight. The flavors will become stronger as the soup is allowed to sit. Season with salt and pepper to taste before plating and serving.
5. Brush the reserved lemon juice and remaining olive oil onto the avocado slices, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Grill the avocado for about 4 minutes. Allow avocado to cool and dice into 1-inch pieces.
6. Serve in bowls topped with grilled avocado, lemon zest and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. If desired, finish with smoked sea salt.