Barefoot Contessa Tomato Aspic Recipe: Summer’s Zesty Gem

Diving into the world of retro cuisine, tomato aspic emerges as a vibrant culinary gem that tantalizes taste buds with its unique charm.

This gelatin-suspended marvel transforms ordinary tomato flavors into an extraordinary gastronomic experience that stops conversations mid-bite.

Wobbling with sophisticated elegance, the dish whispers stories of vintage dinner parties and culinary creativity.

Each trembling slice packs a punch of tangy, savory goodness that challenges modern palates.

The jewel-toned creation blends umami-rich ingredients into a stunning centerpiece that defies culinary expectations.

Chilled to perfection, this aspic promises a nostalgic journey through forgotten recipe archives that will spark curiosity and delight.

Embrace a dish that’s part art, part science, and completely delicious.

Store and Plan for Barefoot Contessa Tomato Aspic

• Preserve Freshness: Store aspic in airtight containers within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Carefully wrap each ramekin with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Advance Preparation: Create these savory gelatin appetizers one day before serving. This technique allows flavors to meld and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Smart Portioning: Keep individual ramekins separated when storing. Use small containers or wrap each separately to prevent them from sticking together or losing their delicate shape.
• Freezing Wisdom: While possible to freeze, the texture might become slightly grainy upon thawing. If freezing, consume within 2 weeks and allow slow refrigerator defrosting for best results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 45 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes in Barefoot Contessa Tomato Aspic

• Tomato Juice: Choose ripe, vibrant, freshly squeezed or high-quality canned juice for rich flavor.
• Gelatin Powder: Select unflavored, high-quality gelatin for smooth, consistent texture.

• Sugar: Use fine granulated sugar for seamless dissolving.
• Salt: Pick kosher or sea salt for balanced seasoning.
• Ground Pickling Spices: Seek fresh, aromatic blend for complex undertones.
• Hot Sauce: Select vinegar-based sauce for tangy kick.
• Lemon Zest: Opt for bright, organic lemons with robust citrus notes.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed provides zestier profile.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Celery: Choose crisp, firm vegetables with vibrant colors for visual appeal and crunchy texture.

Equipment Needed for Barefoot Contessa Tomato Aspic

• Mixing Bowl: Large, spacious vessel for blending ingredients smoothly.
• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for gentle heating and ingredient combination.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for precise seasoning and spice measurements.
• Ramekins: Small ceramic dishes for individual aspic servings.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Light coating to prevent sticking.
• Zester: Tool for extracting fresh lemon zest.
• Whisk: Perfect for stirring and incorporating gelatin.
• Refrigerator: Crucial for chilling and setting the aspic.
• Cutting Board: Workspace for chopping vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise vegetable dicing.
• Serving Plates: Clean surface for final presentation.

How to Make Barefoot Contessa Tomato Aspic

Craft Savory Tomato Aspic

• Soften Gelatin Kickstart

Sprinkle gelatin over tomato juice in a large bowl. Let it rest and transform into a silky base that will give your dish its perfect wobble and structure.

• Build Flavor Symphony

Combine tomato juice, seasonings, and spices in a saucepan. Warm gently to marry the flavors, creating a zesty foundation. Stir in the softened gelatin until everything blends seamlessly.

• Layer and Chill

Mix in chopped vegetables for texture and visual appeal. Pour the vibrant mixture into lightly oiled ramekins. Slide into the refrigerator and let it set into a gorgeous, quivering delicacy.

• Unveil and Serve

After a couple of hours, flip the aspics onto beautiful plates. Crown with delicate hard-boiled egg slices and crisp asparagus spears. This elegant starter will spark conversation and delight taste buds with its bright, tangy personality.

Flavor Tips for Barefoot Contessa Tomato Aspic

Experiment with different hot sauces like sriracha or tabasco to dial up the spice level and create a personalized kick in your aspic.

Replace bell peppers with diced cucumber or pickled vegetables for unexpected texture and a tangy twist that keeps the dish interesting.

Prepare these aspics up to two days in advance, storing them tightly covered in the refrigerator to develop deeper, more complex flavor notes that will impress your guests.

Enhance the protein content by adding tiny cubes of cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon bits to transform this classic appetizer into a more substantial starter.

Ways to Serve Barefoot Contessa Tomato Aspic

• Enhance Chilled Appetizer Experience
• Pair with crisp crackers or toasted baguette slices to add delightful crunch and texture to the smooth aspic.
• Elevate Plating Presentation
• Arrange aspic on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves, garnishing with extra herbs like parsley or chives for vibrant color and subtle freshness.
• Create Complementary Pairings
• Serve alongside light proteins such as cold poached chicken or delicate white fish to balance the tangy tomato aspic flavor profile.
• Customize Serving Temperature
• Allow aspic to rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and release more intricate flavor notes.

Tangy Barefoot Contessa Tomato Aspic Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa tomato aspic merges classic culinary techniques with elegant Southern charm. Cold jellied tomato salad offers refreshing flavors perfect for summer gatherings while showcasing Ina Garten’s signature sophisticated style.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 24 oz (680 g) tomato juice, canned
• 2 envelopes (1 ½ tbsps) unflavored powdered gelatin
• ½ tbsp kosher salt
• ½ tbsp ground pickling spices
• ½ tbsp dark brown sugar
• ½ tsp hot sauce
• ½ tsp lemon zest, finely grated
• 1 ½ tbsps lemon juice, fresh
• ½ small onion, minced
• ½ small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 small celery ribs, finely chopped
• vegetable oil, for brushing
• hard-boiled eggs, sliced (for serving)
• asparagus, steamed (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Gelatin Activation: Sprinkle gelatin over tomato juice in a large bowl, allowing it to bloom for 5 minutes.
2. Flavor Development: Warm tomato juice with sugar, salt, pickling spices, hot sauce, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a saucepan without boiling, creating a rich aromatic base.
3. Gelatin Integration: Dissolve bloomed gelatin completely into the warm liquid, whisking until smooth and uniform.
4. Cooling Process: Refrigerate the tomato mixture for approximately 1 hour, monitoring consistency until slightly thickened but not fully set.
5. Ramekin Preparation: Lightly oil eight ramekins to facilitate smooth release of the aspic.
6. Vegetable Incorporation: Gently fold diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery into the partially chilled tomato gelatin mixture, distributing vegetables evenly.
7. Molding and Chilling: Fill ramekins with tomato gelatin mixture and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until completely firm and set.
8. Serving Technique: Briefly immerse ramekins in warm water, then invert onto serving plates, garnishing with sliced hard-boiled eggs and steamed asparagus spears for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Gelatin Activation: Properly bloom gelatin by sprinkling over cold tomato juice to ensure smooth, lump-free texture and maximum thickening power.
• Flavor Infusion: Warm liquid gently to integrate spices and enhance overall taste without boiling, which can compromise gelatin’s setting ability.
• Chilling Technique: Refrigerate mixture partially to achieve desired consistency – not fully set but slightly thickened for even vegetable distribution.
• Unmolding Trick: Use warm water bath for quick and clean release of aspic from ramekins, ensuring perfect presentation without breaking the delicate gelatin structure.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg