I never imagined that I’d be so excited about a three-ingredient recipe. This is a revolution for me, and I hope for a lot of other garlic lovers too.
So what is alioli? Just the most awesome condiment to ever have existed.
You may have heard of aioli (notice the missing L), which is similar but not the same. The big difference being that alioli should never, ever, ever contain egg. Ever.
Just garlic and oil (and maybe a pinch of salt), period.
Alioli has existed in the Mediterranean region since the Roman Empire and today you’ll find it in every Catalan supermarket and practically every bar and restaurant.
It’s most often served on patatas bravas or alongside paella and the noodle-based cousin of paella, fideua. (It could also be served with meat, but I wouldn’t know about that).
Soooo, despite what I said about alioli never, ever, ever containing egg, most recipes in Spanish on the web call for egg (wtf???).
That’s because the traditional method of making alioli in a wooden mortar and pestle requires the patience of Yoda.
Interestingly, my husband told me that it’s usually the men who are sent to sit outside on the doorstep and prepare the alioli while their wives make dinner - keeps them out of the way, I guess.
Nowadays, ain’t no one got time to spend 30 minutes stirring a bowl of garlic and oil, so egg is added to speed up the emulsification.
However, if you’re vegan (or are just grossed out by raw egg in your food), there is an alternative: aquafaba, i.e. the liquid you normally pour off when you open a can of beans.
If you haven’t heard about the wonders of aquafaba, then you’re missing out and I suggest you google it immediately.
I decided to try it in alioli and omg, it works! Just three ingredients (and a little salt if you want) and two minutes and you’ve got the most flavourful, unctuous and quickest alioli you’ll ever taste ready for your paella or patatas bravas! Spanish alioli is the essential condiment to accompany your patatas bravas, paella or fideua!
Easy Spanish Alioli
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 241Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 35mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Chely says
I am excited to try this. And fideuà. Will aquafaba will ever cease to amaze?
Melissa says
How have you used aquafaba? I've just discovered it.
Nora says
Hi Melissa! Go to the FB group Vegan Meringue Hits and Misses! It'll blow your mind the things people are doing with aquafaba!!
D’Nelz says
How do you store this and how long does it last ? Thanks