Frozen Tomato Aspic
Frozen Tomato Aspic is a refreshing, savory gelatin dish with rich tomato flavors, perfect for summer gatherings or elegant appetizers, offering a unique chilled experience.
Ingredients
- 1/2 can tomato soup (10 3/4 oz.)
- 2 cans tomatoes (16 oz. each) ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 stick cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. McCormick seafood seasoning ⓘ
- 1/4 bunch parsley ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 package unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cold water ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the gelatin and mayonnaise and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
- Strain the mixture.
- Add the softened gelatin to the hot mixture and stir until dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Fold in the mayonnaise.
- Pour into individual molds and freeze until firm.
- Unmold and garnish with avocado slices, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the strained mixture before adding gelatin. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute for a similar umami flavor. Additionally, fresh herbs like basil or dill can enhance the taste. Keep in mind that the gelatin needs to fully dissolve in hot liquid for the best consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This Frozen Tomato Aspic makes a refreshing appetizer or side dish, especially during warm months. It pairs beautifully with Easy Ranch Vegetables for a light meal. Consider serving it alongside grilled fish or chicken for a delightful contrast of flavors. Garnish with avocado slices for an elegant presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month. To reheat, place the aspic in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. For a quicker method, run warm water over the outside of the container. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frozen Tomato Aspic contains roughly 287 calories, with 7g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1460mg per serving (63% 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 tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. You'll need about 3-4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes. Blanch them briefly to remove the skins, then proceed with the recipe as directed. This will give your aspic a fresher taste.
What should I do if my gelatin doesn't dissolve?
If the gelatin doesn't dissolve completely, ensure that the mixture is hot enough when you add it. Stir vigorously until fully dissolved. If necessary, you can return the mixture to low heat briefly while stirring, but avoid boiling to maintain the gelatin's setting properties.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the unflavored gelatin with agar-agar, a plant-based thickener. Additionally, use a vegan mayonnaise alternative to keep the dish entirely vegan. The flavor profile will remain vibrant and enjoyable while accommodating dietary preferences.
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).