Ingredients
Key Ingredients
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- Blue Jam: As the star of the recipe, blue jam provides sweetness and a slight tartness that complements the sharpness of the garlic. However, if blueberry jam isn’t available, you can easily substitute it with other fruit-based jams such as blackberry, fig, or raspberry.
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- Garlic: Garlic is essential as the primary flavor in any aioli. While raw garlic provides a more intense flavor, roasted garlic offers a milder and sweeter taste. You can learn more about the difference between raw and roasted garlic and how each impacts a dish.
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- Egg Yolk: Acting as the emulsifier, the egg yolk binds the oil and other ingredients together, resulting in a creamy and thick texture.
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- Olive Oil: To achieve a smooth, rich sauce, a high-quality olive oil is crucial. Extra virgin olive oil provides a bold flavor, but if you prefer something lighter, a milder oil can also work well. If you’re wondering how to pick the best olive oil for cooking, here’s a guide on selecting the right olive oil.
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- Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Acidity from lemon juice or vinegar not only cuts through the richness of the aioli but also enhances the other flavors. In addition, it helps stabilize the emulsion, ensuring a creamy consistency.
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- Salt and Pepper: Of course, seasoning is essential for bringing out the full depth of flavor in the aioli. As you prepare the dish, make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Optional Additions
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- Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives can add brightness and vibrant color to the aioli. Finely chop them and fold them into the sauce toward the end to elevate the flavor profile.
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- Spices: For a bit of heat, you might consider adding cayenne pepper, paprika, or chili flakes. These spices will provide a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the jam.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making your own blue jam garlic aioli at home is easy, and the results are always impressive. By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious, creamy sauce in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you begin, gather and prepare all your ingredients. This ensures that the process goes smoothly from start to finish.
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- Finely chop or press the garlic cloves.
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- Measure out your blue jam, olive oil, and lemon juice or vinegar.
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- Separate the egg yolk from the white, as you’ll only need the yolk for this recipe.
Step 2: Make the Emulsion
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- Start by whisking together the garlic and egg yolk in a medium-sized bowl.
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- Slowly begin adding the olive oil a few drops at a time while whisking continuously. This gradual incorporation of oil is key to creating a stable emulsion. As the mixture starts to thicken, you can slightly increase the amount of oil added.
Step 3: Incorporate the Blue Jam
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- After you’ve achieved a stable emulsion, gently fold in the blue jam. However, be careful not to overmix. Aim to distribute the jam evenly without fully blending it into the aioli.
Step 4: Adjust the Seasoning
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- At this point, taste your aioli and adjust the seasoning by adding salt, pepper, and lemon juice or vinegar as needed. The acidity from the lemon juice will balance the richness of the oil and the sweetness of the jam.
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- If the aioli seems too thick, simply thin it out with a little water or more lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Calories: 110