Joel'S Favorite Tomato Aspic
Joel's Favorite Tomato Aspic is a vibrant, savory dish featuring a tomato-flavored jello with diced vegetables, shrimp, and olives. Perfect for entertaining, it offers a unique blend of tangy, salty, and fresh flavors, garnished with hard-cooked eggs for an elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the jello by dissolving lemon jello in 1 cup boiling water.
- Add 1 cup Hunt's tomato sauce to the dissolved jello instead of cold water.
- Stir in vinegar, salt, pepper, diced stalks of celery, diced carrot, chopped onion, Spanish olives, and cooked shrimp.
- Pour the mixture into a mold and refrigerate until set and firm.
- Unmold the aspic onto a serving plate.
- Garnish with sliced hard-cooked eggs.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. If you don’t have lemon jello, lime jello can work as a substitute for a slightly different flavor. Be sure to chop the vegetables and shrimp into small, uniform pieces for even distribution in the aspic. If you're short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the aspic as a refreshing appetizer, garnished with sliced hard-cooked eggs for a beautiful presentation. It pairs wonderfully with a Light Caesar Salad or alongside Pepperidge Farm Party Rolls for a delightful contrast in textures. This dish also makes a great centerpiece for seafood recipes during summer gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tomato aspic in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat it, slice the aspic and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, as it is best enjoyed chilled. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joel'S Favorite Tomato Aspic contains roughly 31 calories, with 1g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 a different type of jello for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute lemon jello with lime or even orange jello for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the taste will change slightly, but it can still be delicious!
How long does it take for the aspic to set?
The aspic typically takes about 4 to 6 hours to set in the refrigerator, so it's best to prepare it the night before serving. Make sure it's in a stable mold to achieve a nice shape when unmolding.
Can I add other ingredients to the aspic?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or even different proteins such as crab or lobster. Just ensure that the total volume remains similar to maintain the texture 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).