Delicious Homemade Aioli Recipe

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Aioli?
3. Traditional vs Modern Aioli
4. Ingredients for a Modern Aioli
5. Roasting the Garlic
6. Grilling the Lemon
7. Creating the Emulsion
8. Adding Flavorings
9. Tips and Tricks
10. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to this tutorial on how to make a modern aioli! In this guide, we will walk You through the process of creating a delicious aioli from scratch. We will cover everything from the basic ingredients to techniques like roasting garlic and grilling lemon. So let's dive in and learn how to make a flavorful aioli that will elevate any dish!

What is Aioli?

Aioli is a tasty condiment that hails from the Mediterranean region. Traditionally, aioli is made by emulsifying garlic and olive oil. However, the modern version of aioli is more similar to mayonnaise, which is an emulsion of egg yolk, lemon Juice, and oil. In this tutorial, we will be making a modern aioli that falls somewhere in between these two traditional versions.

Traditional vs Modern Aioli

While the traditional aioli consists of only garlic and olive oil, the modern aioli incorporates additional ingredients like lemon juice, egg yolk, and a neutral oil. The inclusion of these ingredients adds depth and flavor to the aioli, making it more versatile and delightful to taste. The modern aioli can be used as a dip for fries, spread on sandwiches, or served alongside fish and chips.

Ingredients for a Modern Aioli

To make a modern aioli, you will need the following ingredients:

• Garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Lemon
• Egg yolk
• Canola or peanut oil (neutral oil)
• Fresh dill
• Malt vinegar
• Grainy Dijon mustard
• Coarse salt
• Optional: noble hickory smoked salt

These ingredients will provide the base for the aioli and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and seasonings to Create your own unique aioli.

Roasting the Garlic

One of the defining characteristics of aioli is the emulsification of garlic into a Sauce. In this recipe, we will be using roasted garlic to infuse the aioli with a rich and mellow flavor. To roast the garlic, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your grill to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Take a half dozen garlic cloves and leave the skin on. Build a pouch using aluminum foil and place the garlic cloves inside.
3. Drizzle the garlic cloves with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. Place the garlic pouch on the indirect heat zone of the grill and let it ROAST for approximately 15 minutes or until the cloves have softened.
5. Once the garlic is roasted, remove it from the grill and let it cool. You can then easily peel off the skins and set aside the cloves.

Roasting the garlic adds a delightful smokiness and depth of flavor to the aioli.

Grilling the Lemon

To enhance the flavor of the aioli, we will also be grilling the lemon. Grilling the lemon caramelizes its cut surface and adds a touch of smokiness. Here's how you can grill the lemon:

1. Cut the lemon in half and place it directly on the grill over direct heat.
2. Let the lemon grill for about 10 minutes, or until it develops a nice char on the outside.
3. Once grilled, remove the lemon from the heat and set aside.

Grilling the lemon intensifies its tangy and citrusy flavors, which will complement the aioli perfectly.

Creating the Emulsion

Now it's time to create the emulsion that gives aioli its creamy and luscious texture. In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted garlic cloves, one egg yolk, and a tablespoon of lemon juice from the grilled lemon. Whisk the mixture together vigorously.

Next, slowly add the neutral oil (canola or peanut oil) to the mixture as you Continue whisking. It is crucial to go slow at first, adding drops of oil at a time, to ensure a successful emulsion. As the emulsion starts to form, you can gradually increase the speed of adding the oil.

Continue whisking and incorporating the oil until the mixture becomes creamy, lightens in color, and has a smooth consistency. Avoid whisking too fast, as it may cause the emulsion to break.

Adding Flavorings

Once you have achieved the desired consistency, it's time to add flavorings to enhance the aioli. In this recipe, we will be incorporating fresh baby dill, malt vinegar, grainy Dijon mustard, and lemon zest from the grilled lemon.

Mince a tablespoon of fresh baby dill finely and add it to the aioli mixture. Follow this by adding about a tablespoon of malt vinegar and a couple of tablespoons of grainy Dijon mustard for tanginess and depth of flavor.

For an extra punch of lemon flavor, grate the zest from the grilled lemon and add it to the aioli mixture. Give everything a good whisk to ensure the flavorings are evenly distributed throughout the aioli.

Finally, taste the aioli and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add a pinch of coarse salt or noble hickory smoked salt to bring out the flavors. Remember, you can customize the aioli according to your preferences, so feel free to add more or less of any ingredient.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a heavy bowl while whisking the aioli to prevent it from moving around. You can also place a wet kitchen towel underneath to keep it in place.
• Whisk the aioli constantly while adding the oil to maintain the emulsion and prevent it from breaking.
• Store the aioli in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop and meld together over time.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully made a delicious and versatile modern aioli. This creamy and flavorful condiment can be used in various dishes, from spreading it on sandwiches to dipping fries and serving it alongside fish and chips.

Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique aioli variations. Whether you prefer a classic garlic aioli or a spicy chipotle lime aioli, the techniques discussed in this guide will serve as a solid foundation for your culinary creations.

Thank you for following along with this tutorial. We hope you enjoy making and savoring your homemade aioli. Bon appétit!