aioli

method

Aioli is a lovely fragrant and pungent type of mayonnaise – and the great thing is that you can take the flavor in any direction – try adding some pounded or chopped basil, fennel tops, dill or roasted nuts. It's also great flavored with lemon zest and juice. It’s normally seasoned well and is used to enhance things like fish stew in order to give it a real kick. You might wonder why I suggest using two types of olive oil to make this. By blending a strong peppery one with a mellower one, you can achieve a lovely rounded flavour.

Smash up the garlic with 1 teaspoon of salt in a mortar and pestle (or use the end of a rolling pin and a metal bowl). Place the egg yolk and mustard in a bowl and whisk together, then start to add your oils bit by bit. Once you’ve blended in a quarter of the oil, you can start to add the rest in larger amounts. When it’s all gone in, add the garlic and lemon juice and any extra flavors (see above). To finish off, season to taste with salt, pepper and a bit more lemon juice, if needed.

Try this: Lemon- or basil-flavored aioli is good with salads, all types of fish, and in seafood soups. It's also great with roasted fish, chicken or pork, and a classic with salmon.

serves: 8

ingredients

• 1/2 a small clove of garlic, peeled

• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 large egg yolk, preferably free-range or organic
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup olive oil
• lemon juice, to taste