Aspic Recipe (Kholodets)
Aspic (Kholodets) is a traditional Eastern European meat jelly made by slow-simmering bone-in meat to extract natural gelatin. This rich, savory dish sets beautifully without added gelatin and is perfect as a make-ahead appetizer or праздничное dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours
- Total Time: 9–10 hours
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Eastern European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2–3 lbs bone-in chicken pieces or beef shank
- 2 carrots, peeled
- 1 onion, halved
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1–1.5 teaspoons salt (to taste)
- 10–12 cups water
Instructions
- Place the meat in a large pot and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Skim off any foam from the surface.
- Add onion, carrots, garlic, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
- Simmer on low heat for 3–4 hours until the meat is very tender and the broth is rich.
- Remove the meat and strain the broth to remove solids and impurities.
- Separate the meat from the bones and shred into small pieces. Discard skin and excess fat if desired.
- Arrange shredded meat evenly in serving dishes or molds.
- Pour the strained broth over the meat until fully covered.
- Let cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until fully set.
- Serve cold, optionally with mustard or horseradish.
Notes
- Use collagen-rich cuts (like joints, wings, or shanks) for proper setting.
- Skim the broth well for a clearer final dish.You can remove the fat layer after chilling for a cleaner taste.Add garlic at the end for a stronger flavor if desired.Do not reheat, as the dish will melt.
Find it online: https://cookibly.com/aspic-recipe-kholodets/
