Lucille'S Easy Tomato Aspic
A refreshing, savory tomato aspic featuring tangy tomato juice, vinegar, and lemon Jell-O, perfect for light appetizers or summer gatherings, with a tangy and savory flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 3/4 cup tomato juice plus vinegar.
- Stir in lemon Jell-O until dissolved.
- Add remaining tomato juice, salt, Tabasco sauce, grated onion, and olives.
- Chill until the aspic is firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, strain the grated onion before adding it to the mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce to your liking. To make this dish vegan, replace the Jell-O with agar-agar and ensure the tomato juice is free of animal-derived ingredients. Consider using low-sodium tomato juice to control the saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
This tomato aspic makes a delightful appetizer and pairs beautifully with a fresh salad like Cold Green Bean Salad. Serve it alongside crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying snack. For a more colorful presentation, garnish with fresh herbs or additional olives on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where the aspic will keep well for up to 3 days. When you want to serve it again, it's best enjoyed cold and firm, so there's no need to reheat. Simply slice and serve straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lucille'S Easy Tomato Aspic contains roughly 156 calories, with 2g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 649mg per serving (28% 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 tomato juice?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Blend ripe tomatoes until smooth, then strain to remove seeds and skins. Use the resulting liquid in place of tomato juice. This will give your aspic a fresher taste, although the texture may vary slightly.
How long does it take for the aspic to set?
Typically, the aspic will take about 4 to 6 hours to set in the refrigerator. For best results, prepare it the night before and allow it to chill overnight. This ensures it will be firm enough for slicing and serving.
Can I add other ingredients to the aspic?
Absolutely! Feel free to include diced bell peppers, celery, or even chopped herbs for added flavor and texture. Just remember to keep the total volume in mind to ensure proper setting 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).