Lemon Dill Aioli

This simple, made from scratch lemon dill aioli is a great addition to a sandwich or burger and a delicious dip or sauce for fries or fish. Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian with a prep time of only five minutes.

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Let me begin with a little education about aioli because there is some confusion surrounding it. You may have heard that it is just a fancy mayonnaise, but that is incorrect.

Aioli is a sauce made from garlic, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil using the process of emulsification, whereas mayonnaise is typically an emulsion of canola oil and egg yolks with the addition of lemon juice/vinegar and other flavor-enhancing ingredients such as mustard powder. As you can see aioli obviously wins because of GARLIC!!!

Originating in the Mediterranean region it is traditionally prepared using only a mortar and pestle. For simplicities sake, my recipe is prepared largely using a food processor or a blender, although it does require grinding the garlic and salt into a paste with a mortar and pestle.

Another key difference between a traditionally prepared aioli and my version is the addition of egg yolks. The lecithin in the egg yolks acts as an emulsifier aiding the process. Their use results in a creamier sauce.

The creamier the better when it comes to aioli! And believe me when I tell you this sauce is silky smooth AND flavor-packed to boot. Its subtle lemon and dill notes pair beautifully with the fragrant punch of garlic.

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Ingredients (+ notes & substitutions)

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• Garlic: One of the key ingredients of aioli.
• Kosher salt
• Egg yolks: You will need the egg yolks from two large eggs. The eggs should be room temperature.
• Fresh dill: The recipe calls for two tablespoons but feel free to adjust to taste.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is advised but bottled will work.
• Black pepper
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: To stay true to aioli EVOO is a must so I do not recommend substituting it.

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How to make lemon dill aioli (+tips)

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Begin by using a mortar and pestle to grind together the garlic and salt, creating a paste.

Transfer to the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade or to a blender.

Add the egg yolks, dill, lemon juice, and black pepper; pulse until combined.

Continue blending while slowly drizzling in the extra-virgin olive oil one teaspoon at a time. Adding the oil slowly is ESSENTIAL for the emulsification process. Simply put, emulsification is the process of combining (by force) two liquids that don’t want to mix (such as oil and water). If this step is not performed properly the sauce will not come together and you’ll have to begin again, so be patient!! It is not possible to add the oil too slowly, so take your time.

Continue blending until all the oil has been incorporated and desired consistency is produced. Add additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

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Storage

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Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.

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How to use this sauce

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• As a dip for fries. It pairs especially well with these sweet potato fries.
• On a burger or a sandwich like this bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.
• With raw, roasted, or grilled veggies. It’s especially delicious with this truffle roasted asparagus.
• Over fish such as salmon or as a dip for fried fish.
• On toast.
• As a replacement for mayo in a tuna or chicken salad.

If you make this lemon dill aioli I’d love your feedback. Please leave a comment and/or a rating below as I greatly value your opinion. Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @taoofspiceblog. Love, light, and happy cooking ya’ll ♥