Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy condiment made primarily from egg yolks, oil, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice. It’s commonly used in sandwiches, salads, and dressings, and can be flavored with various seasonings such as mustard, garlic, or herbs. The classic emulsion technique involves slowly incorporating oil into egg yolks while whisking to create a stable, thick mixture. Mayonnaise can also be made quickly using a blender or food processor for convenience.
Here’s a simple mayonnaise recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 cup neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a tall container, combine the egg, mustard, vinegar or lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Using an immersion blender, blend for a few seconds to combine.
- With the blender running, very slowly drizzle in the oil until the mixture thickens and emulsifies. This should take about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Once thickened, taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Transfer to a jar and refrigerate for up to a week. Enjoy!