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A quintessential Southern chilled salad, this Tomato Aspic is a savory, jiggly delight. Made from seasoned tomato juice set with gelatin, it's a retro classic perfect for luncheons, potlucks, and holiday tables. Its tangy, slightly sweet flavor is both refreshing and unique.
For 4 servings
Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, pour the 1/2 cup of cold water. Sprinkle the gelatin packets evenly over the surface. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes without stirring. The gelatin will absorb the water and become spongy.
Heat the Tomato Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato juice, lemon juice, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot and steaming but not boiling (about 5 minutes).
Dissolve Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot tomato mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved and no granules remain.
Cool and Add Vegetables: Let the mixture cool at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes. It should be cool to the touch. Stir in the finely minced onion and celery. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
Chill to Set: Lightly oil a 4-cup mold or four individual ramekins. Pour the tomato mixture into the prepared mold(s). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely firm.
Unmold and Serve: To unmold, fill a larger bowl with warm water. Briefly dip the bottom of the mold into the warm water for 5-10 seconds. Place a serving platter over the mold and carefully invert it. The aspic should release easily. Serve chilled, traditionally on a bed of lettuce with a dollop of mayonnaise or a creamy dressing.
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A quintessential Southern chilled salad, this Tomato Aspic is a savory, jiggly delight. Made from seasoned tomato juice set with gelatin, it's a retro classic perfect for luncheons, potlucks, and holiday tables. Its tangy, slightly sweet flavor is both refreshing and unique.
This southern recipe takes 260 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 137.35 calories per serving with 23.18g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for appetizer or side.
Increase the hot sauce to 1-2 teaspoons and add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add finely minced jalapeños along with the celery and onion.
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or cooked green peas to the mixture along with the other vegetables.
For a more substantial dish, fold in 1/2 cup of cooked, chilled shrimp or crabmeat into the cooled mixture before chilling.
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh, finely chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to the tomato mixture for a fresh flavor boost.
Tomatoes are the primary source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
With a base of tomato juice and water, this dish has a high water content, contributing to your daily hydration needs.
As a light side dish, Tomato Aspic is very low in calories and fat, making it a suitable option for weight management.
Gelatin is a source of collagen, which is beneficial for skin, hair, nail, and joint health.
One serving of this Tomato Aspic contains approximately 75-90 calories, making it a light and low-calorie side dish or appetizer.
Yes, it can be a healthy choice. It's low in fat and calories, and tomatoes are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene. The gelatin also provides some protein and may support joint health.
Yes, you can use agar-agar powder as a vegetarian substitute. Use about 2 teaspoons of agar-agar powder for this recipe. You will need to boil the tomato juice mixture with the agar-agar for a couple of minutes to activate it, unlike gelatin which should not be boiled.
Stored in a covered container, Tomato Aspic will last for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
The most common reasons are not using enough gelatin, boiling the gelatin (which destroys its setting ability), or adding acidic ingredients like pineapple that contain enzymes which break down gelatin. This recipe's lemon juice amount is safe.
Traditionally, it's served chilled on a leaf of crisp lettuce, often with a dollop of mayonnaise, a creamy dressing, or cottage cheese. It's a great accompaniment to cold chicken or ham.