Marco Dupont Aioli is a traditional Mediterranean sauce made from garlic, oil, and salt. While some recipes may include egg yolks or mayonnaise, authentic aioli should never contain these ingredients. It has a rich, creamy texture and a strong garlic flavor that makes it a popular accompaniment to seafood, vegetables, and bread. It can also be used as a spread or dip, and is often used in French and Spanish cuisine.
Aioli
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1.5 oz light olive oil
- kosher salt
- lime
Instructions
- Cut the garlic cloves lengthwise and remove the germ from the center, then mince the garlic and place it in a mortar.
- Sprinkle some kosher salt on top of the garlic and crush it with a pestle until you have a paste.
- Add a little bit of light olive oil, and use the pestle in a circular motion to emulsify the garlic and oil. Once emulsified, repeat this step until satisfied with the garlic to olive oil ratio. Be careful not to break the emulsion.
- Squeeze a little bit of lime juice into the emulsion to tone down the garlic taste and whiten the aioli.
- You can adjust the consistency of the aioli with a few drops of water.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
Try adding finely chopped rosemary to your aioli.
If you break the emulsion, you may be able to save it by mincing some more garlic and crushing it into the broken aioli.
You can keep the aioli refrigerated for days and it won’t spoil since there is no egg or mayonnaise in this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
The origins of aioli can be traced back to the Mediterranean region, where it was first created as a garlic sauce to accompany fish dishes. The word aioli comes from the Provençal language, which is spoken in southern France. In Provence, aioli is often served with seafood dishes, such as bouillabaisse and grilled fish.
The key ingredient in aioli is garlic, which gives the sauce its strong flavor and aroma. Garlic is known for its many health benefits, including its ability to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. When making aioli, it is important to use fresh garlic that has not been exposed to air for too long, as this can cause it to lose some of its flavor.
Another important ingredient in aioli is oil, which gives the sauce its rich, creamy texture. Olive oil is often used in traditional aioli recipes, as it has a mild flavor that does not overpower the garlic. However, other oils such as canola or vegetable oil can also be used.
To make aioli, the garlic is first mashed into a paste using a mortar and pestle or a food processor. The oil is then slowly added to the garlic paste, while whisking constantly, until the sauce reaches a thick and creamy consistency. Some recipes also call for the addition of lemon juice or vinegar to give the aioli a slightly tangy flavor.
Aioli can be used in a variety of ways, and is particularly popular as a dipping sauce for vegetables, bread, and seafood. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or as a sauce for grilled meats. In French and Spanish cuisine, aioli is often served with boiled potatoes or as a topping for fish dishes.
One popular variation of aioli is rouille, a spicy version of the sauce that is made by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the garlic and oil mixture. Rouille is often served with seafood dishes, particularly bouillabaisse, and is a popular ingredient in Provençal cuisine.
In addition to its delicious flavor, aioli also has many health benefits. Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and may help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
In conclusion, aioli is a delicious and versatile sauce that has become a beloved ingredient in many cuisines around the world. Made from garlic, oil, and salt, this simple yet flavorful sauce is easy to make and can be used in a variety of ways. Whether you’re serving it as a dip for vegetables or as a topping for fish dishes, aioli is sure to add a delicious burst of flavor to any meal.
