Crunchy Aspic
A refreshing, crunchy aspic with vegetables and a tangy flavor, perfect for elegant salads or summer gatherings, offering a delightful texture and vibrant colors.
Ingredients
- 2 envelopes Knox gelatine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cold water ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon minced onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 small can green asparagus spears, cut in 1-inch pieces
- 1 jar pimiento, cut in 1-inch long strips
- 1 can water chestnuts, sliced thin ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the cold water, sugar, vinegar, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and stir in the dissolved gelatine until completely dissolved.
- Add minced onion and lemon juice to the mixture.
- Refrigerate until the mixture slightly thickens.
- Add the chilled asparagus pieces, pimiento strips, sliced water chestnuts, and chopped celery to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and chill until firm.
- Serve the aspic on watercress with a dressing of mayonnaise, sour cream, and a little curry.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Crunchy Aspic, consider using homemade vegetable broth instead of plain water for a richer taste. If you want to make it vegetarian, ensure the gelatine is plant-based. Additionally, adjusting the sugar to taste can help balance the acidity from the vinegar. This dish is great for summer gatherings, served alongside lighter fare like a salad or sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Crunchy Aspic on a bed of fresh watercress for an elegant presentation. It pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as Shelby'S Orange Salad, and is perfect as an appetizer at a brunch or picnic. For added flair, drizzle with a mix of mayonnaise and sour cream seasoned with curry powder.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a microwave, but be cautious not to melt the aspic completely. It’s best served chilled, so if it loses form, you may want to remold it before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Aspic contains roughly 68 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 919mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can add a more vibrant flavor and texture to your Crunchy Aspic. Just make sure to blanch them briefly to maintain their color and crispness before adding them to the mixture.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of this Crunchy Aspic, substitute the gelatin with agar-agar or another plant-based gelling agent. Follow the package instructions for the best results, and ensure all other ingredients are free from animal products.
What can I substitute for vinegar if I don't have any?
If you're out of vinegar, lemon juice is a great alternative as it provides acidity. You can also use apple cider vinegar or a splash of white wine, keeping in mind that each will slightly alter the flavor profile of the aspic.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).