Tomato Aspic

As the summer sun casts its golden rays, the desire for light, refreshing dishes grows ever stronger. One culinary masterpiece that embodies this ethos is aspic. Traditionally a savory gelatin dish, aspic is not only a feast for the palate but also a visual delight, elegantly showcasing seasonal produce. Among the myriad of aspic recipes, the Tomato Tango Aspic stands out as a vibrant and zesty creation, ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a stunning appetizer for dinner parties.

Discover the vibrant and refreshing Tomato Tango Aspic, a perfect summer dish that will impress your guests at picnics and dinner parties. This beautiful gelatin dish combines ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and vegetable broth, creating a flavorful treat that's rich in vitamins and low in calories. With simple steps to prepare, this aspic not only offers a delightful taste but also celebrates the essence of seasonal produce, making it an ideal addition to your summer menu. Explore the art of aspic and elevate your culinary skills with this delightful recipe.

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Ingredients

3 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped

1 cup vegetable broth

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 teaspoons gelatin powder (or agar-agar for a vegetarian version)

1/4 cup cold water

1/2 cup diced cucumber (for garnish)

1/2 cup diced bell pepper (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Tomatoes: In a blender or food processor, blend the chopped tomatoes until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove seeds and skins, yielding about 2 cups of tomato juice.

Heat the Broth: In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable broth over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper, allowing them to dissolve completely.

Combine Juices: Once the broth is simmering, reduce heat and add the tomato juice and lemon juice. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Dissolve Gelatin: In a separate small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. After blooming, gently heat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or over low heat until fully dissolved.

Mix Everything Together: Remove the broth mixture from heat and slowly pour in the dissolved gelatin, stirring continuously until fully incorporated.

Add Basil: Stir in the chopped basil, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Set the Aspic: Pour the mixture into a gelatin mold or a shallow dish. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.

Serve Garnished: Once the aspic has fully set, run a knife around the edges if needed, and gently invert onto a serving platter. Garnish with diced cucumber and bell pepper for a fresh touch.

Slice and Enjoy: Cut the aspic into squares or wedges and serve cold as a refreshing appetizer or side dish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes | Servings: 8