Vegetarian Tomato Aspic

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The following recipe uses agar -agar, also known as Kanten. This is a

product made from a kind of seaweed. It is used in parts of Asia in place of

gelatin. The brand I use is Hime from Japan. It comes in a two stick pack

and is available in Asian grocery stores and at some health food stores

which cater to vegetarians.

 

Vegetarian Tomato Aspic

 

1 stick agar

2 3/4 cup tomato juice.

1 stalk celery, diced

juice of one lemon (2 -3 Tbls.)

1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbls. sugar

1 bay leaf (optional)

 

Break up the stick of agar into a saucepan. Add tomato juice and allow to

soak for half an hour. Bring to boil, stirring until the agar dissolves. Add

remaining ingredients and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove bay leaf. Pour

into a flat pan or mold. Chill in refrigerator until set.

Serves 4 to 6 people.

Variation

If you have people in your household who like gelatin deserts such as Jello

brand gelatin you can make a vegetarian substitute with agar. The package

instructions suggest using 1 stick of agar, 1 cup sugar, 2 3/4 cup water and

1/4 tsp lemon juice. Prepare as for aspic with the ½ hour soak and 10 to 15

minute boil. Chill in the refrigerator.

If this doesn't sound very healthy I suggest you substitute 2 3/4 cup fruit

juice for the water and add sugar to taste.