Tomato Aspic
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
6 steps. 5 minutes total.
- 1
Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, pour the 1/2 cup of cold water
- a.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.
- 2
Step 2
- a.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).
- 3
Dissolve Gelatin: Remove the saucepan from the heat
- a.Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot tomato mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until the gelatin is completely dissolved and no granules remain.
- 4
Step 4
- a.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.
- 5
Chill to Set: Lightly oil a 4-cup mold or four individual ramekins
- a.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.
- 6
Unmold and Serve: To unmold, fill a larger bowl with warm water
- a.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.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a crystal-clear aspic, strain the hot tomato juice mixture through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth before adding the gelatin.
- 2Avoid boiling the tomato juice mixture, as excessive heat can weaken the setting power of the gelatin.
- 3Ensure the mixture is cool before adding minced vegetables to ensure they stay suspended throughout the aspic.
- 4To easily unmold, run a thin knife around the edge of the aspic before dipping the mold in warm water.
- 5Serve with complementary garnishes like fresh parsley, olives, or hard-boiled egg slices.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Tomato Aspic
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.
Garden Vegetable AspicGarden Vegetable Aspic
Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or cooked green peas to the mixture along with the other vegetables.
Seafood AspicSeafood Aspic
For a more substantial dish, fold in 1/2 cup of cooked, chilled shrimp or crabmeat into the cooled mixture before chilling.
Herb Infused AspicHerb-Infused Aspic
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh, finely chopped herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to the tomato mixture for a fresh flavor boost.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
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.
Supports Hydration
With a base of tomato juice and water, this dish has a high water content, contributing to your daily hydration needs.
Low in Calories
As a light side dish, Tomato Aspic is very low in calories and fat, making it a suitable option for weight management.
Source of Collagen
Gelatin is a source of collagen, which is beneficial for skin, hair, nail, and joint health.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Tomato Aspic contains approximately 75-90 calories, making it a light and low-calorie side dish or appetizer.