**Dolly's Tomato Aspic: A Refreshing Blast from the Past**
Dolly's tomato aspic is a delightful and refreshing dish that combines the flavors of ripe tomatoes, tangy vinegar, and savory spices. It's a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations, and it's perfect for summer potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where you want to serve something light and flavorful. This versatile dish can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course, and it's sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. In this article, we'll provide you with the classic recipe for Dolly's tomato aspic, as well as three variations that add a unique twist to this timeless dish. Whether you prefer a traditional tomato aspic or something with a little extra flavor, you're sure to find a recipe here that you'll love.
FABIO'S TOMATO ASPIC
Provided by Faith Willinger
Categories Tomato Vegetable Appetizer Summer Healthy Sugar Conscious Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Split the tomatoes in half and squeeze the halves into a sieve over a small bowl to remove juice and seeds. Press the mixture in the sieve and reserve the liquid and the pulp.
- 2. Puree the tomatoes in a food processor and pass through a food mill or strainer to remove the skins. (Or peel, seed, juice, and process tomatoes until smooth if you don't have a food mill.) Add the reserved juice to the pulp and measure 2 1/4 cups of tomato.
- 3. Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup tomato pulp in a medium-sized bowl, stir, and soak for 3 minutes. Heat 1/2 cup tomato pulp until boiling, add to the softened gelatin, and stir in to dissolve the gelatin. Add the rest of the tomato pulp, the basil, garlic, hot pepper, salt, and extra virgin olive oil. Divide the mixture into 6 lightly oiled 1/2-cup molds for at least 3 hours. unmold and top with a drizzle of extra virgin.
BLOODY MARY ASPIC
Steps:
- Cook shallots and celery in olive oil in a 4-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add puréed tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and celery seeds and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, 25 minutes. Pour tomato mixture through a sieve lined with dampened cheesecloth into a clean 3-quart saucepan, pressing hard on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Bring tomato broth just to a boil, then remove from heat and stir in Worcestershire sauce.
- While tomato broth comes to a boil, stir together lemon juice and vodka in a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over vodka mixture. (Spoon vodka mixture over any powdered gelatin remaining on top.) Let stand until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Lightly oil a 1 1/2- to 2-quart nonreactive shallow baking pan (2 inches deep).
- Add gelatin mixture to hot tomato broth, stirring until gelatin is dissolved. Pour into baking pan and chill, uncovered, until firm, at least 6 hours.
- To unmold aspic, run a small sharp knife around edge, then dip baking pan into a larger pan of warm water, 15 to 20 seconds. Put a cutting board over baking pan, then carefully invert aspic onto board and cut into 1/2-inch cubes.
TOMATO ASPIC
Steps:
- Lightly grease eight to ten 8-ounce individual molds or custard cups.
- Place the tomatoes, onion, celery, bay leaves, garlic, and cloves in a large saucepan with 1/2 cup of the water and stir to mix. Bring to a low boil and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and skimming the rising foam as needed. Remove from the heat and strain, discarding the bay leaves and cloves, then pushing the pulp through a sieve to make 4 to 5 cups of juice. Add the lemon zest and juice, sugar, vinegar, basil, and salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine.
- Return the juice to the saucepan, bring to a boil, and reduce by about 2 cups, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to a low boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Combine the gelatin with the remaining 1/4 cup water in a large bowl and stir to mix. Pour the hot juice over the gelatin mixture and stir until the gelatin dissolves. Remove the basil and place the pan of juice in the water bath to fully cool, stirring regularly for even coloring and texture.
- Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared molds, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, until the aspic sets up and is firm.
- To unmold the aspics, run a knife around the outside edge of the molds and set in a pan of warm water for 15 to 20 seconds to loosen. Invert onto a plate or platter and serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.
TOMATO ASPIC
A refreshing taste of vegetable juice with crisp chopped celery and onion. Lovely served as a side to my 'Ham Salad for Two,' or any other salad one wants. Makes a lovely colorful touch to a summer evening salad plate.
Provided by Barbara Zavadil
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Tomatoes
Time 1h20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Fully dissolve gelatin in boiling water in a mixing bowl.
- Combine vegetable juice, worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and cloves in a saucepan; bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf and cloves.
- Stir onion and celery into vegetable juice.
- Pour vegetable juice mixture over dissolved gelatin; stir gently to blend.
- Refrigerate until set completely, about 1 hour.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 41 calories, Carbohydrate 8.1 g, Fat 0.2 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 2.6 g, Sodium 345.6 mg, Sugar 5.2 g
Tips:
- Utilize ripe tomatoes: Choose tomatoes that are at their peak of ripeness for the most intense flavor. Look for tomatoes that are plump, firm, and have a deep red color.
- Homemade tomato juice: If you have access to fresh tomatoes, making your own tomato juice is a great way to control the flavor and quality of your aspic. Simply blend the tomatoes until smooth and strain out any seeds or pulp.
- Aspic mold selection: Choose an aspic mold that is the right size and shape for your desired presentation. You can find aspic molds in various shapes and sizes, such as ring molds, loaf molds, and individual molds.
- Chilling time: Allow the aspic to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure it sets properly. Chilling also helps to develop the flavor and texture of the aspic.
- Garnish elegantly: Before serving, garnish the aspic with fresh herbs, such as chives, parsley, or dill, to add a touch of color and freshness.
Conclusion:
Dolly's Tomato Aspic is a classic dish that combines the vibrant flavors of tomatoes with the elegance of an aspic. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a stunning and delicious aspic that will impress your guests. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a light main course, this dish is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delightful experience of making and savoring Dolly's Tomato Aspic!
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