Chilled Tomato Veggie Herb Gelatin

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €6.76 · €1.69/serving

• 4 pounds tomatoes (about 8), cored and quarteredEst. price €2.80–€5.60
• 1 onion, choppedEst. price €0.30–€0.70
• 4 celery stalks, choppedEst. price €1.20–€2.40
• 4 bay leavesEst. price €0.20–€0.40
• 4 garlic cloves, smashedEst. price €0.20–€0.40
• 5 whole clovesEst. price €0.15–€0.30
• 3/4 cup waterEst. price €0.00–€0.01
• Zest and juice of 1 lemonEst. price €0.40–€0.80
• 1 tablespoon sugarEst. price €0.05–€0.10
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegarEst. price €0.15–€0.30

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare eight to ten 8-ounce individual molds or custard cups by lightly greasing them.

2. 2

   In a large saucepan, combine tomatoes, onion, celery, bay leaves, garlic, and cloves with 1/2 cup of water. Stir the ingredients together and bring them to a gentle boil. Let the mixture simmer for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and removing any foam that rises to the surface. Once done, take the saucepan off the heat. Strain the mixture to remove bay leaves and cloves. Press the pulp through a sieve to extract 4 to 5 cups of juice. To this juice, add lemon zest and juice, sugar, vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences. Mix everything well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

3. 3

   Pour the strained juice back into the saucepan and heat it until it reaches a boil. Let it simmer until reduced by approximately 2 cups, which should take around 10 minutes. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Prepare an ice water bath in a large bowl. In another large bowl, combine the gelatin with 1/4 cup of water and mix well. Slowly pour the hot juice over the gelatin mixture while stirring continuously until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Take out the basil leaves from the mixture and transfer the saucepan into the ice water bath to cool completely, stirring consistently to ensure uniform consistency and color development.

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• Cultural note

  The Chilled Tomato Veggie Herb Gelatin is a modern twist on traditional gelatin dishes, incorporating savory flavors and fresh ingredients. It showcases a blend of Mediterranean influences with the use of balsamic vinegar and basil, creating a refreshing and unique dish.

• Seasonal note

  This Chilled Tomato Veggie Herb Gelatin is best made during the summer when tomatoes, basil, and other fresh herbs are in season. These ingredients are at their peak flavor and freshness during this time.

• Health note

  This dish is a nutritious choice as it is low in calories and fat but high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like A, C, and K. The tomatoes provide antioxidants, while the herbs and vegetables offer additional vitamins and minerals.