Aioli is prepared by crushing garlic and emulsifying the juice obtained with olive oil.
Alioli is a term that comes from the Catalan allioli . This is the name given to a sauce that is made with oil and garlic , used as a condiment in different dishes.
It is interesting to mention that this same sauce receives other names depending on the region. Thus, aioli can be named ajolio , ajoaceite or ajiaceite , all names accepted by the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ) in its dictionary.
Preparation of the aioli
Aioli can be made with just two ingredients: garlic and oil . Garlic is a white bulb obtained from the plant of the same name. Oils, meanwhile, are fatty liquids produced from seeds or fruits; In the specific case of aioli, olive oil is used (from olives or olives).
To make the aioli, the garlic is first crushed in order to obtain its juice . Then, little by little, begin to add the olive oil while continuing to crush and stir. The preparation usually takes place in a mortar .
The purpose is to achieve an emulsion thanks to the combination of the garlic juice with the oil that is incorporated. Salt and, in some cases, lemon juice or spices are usually added to aioli. Other options to reverse the original recipe are to include eggs or add capers or anchovies .
With aioli you can season multiple dishes.
History of sauce
It is estimated that aioli would have emerged in Ancient Egypt , although it was the Romans who made it popular. Migrations and travel contributed to the spread of aioli throughout the world.
The use of aioli became widespread, especially in the Mediterranean area. This is linked to the climatic benefits of the region for the production of olive oil and the frequent use of this product in the local diet.
Uses of aioli
Aioli can be used in multiple ways. The sauce can be consumed at room temperature, cold or even hot when used to cover a food that is placed in the oven .
Beef, rabbit, seafood, fish and vegetables can be accompanied with aioli. Different rice dishes also have aioli.
Potato aioli , for example, is a well-known tapa in different parts of Spain. Typically, potatoes are cooked in brine and, once cool, are topped with aioli. Another alternative is to use French fries.
Dishes such as fideuá (made with noodles, fish and seafood), caldero (rice and fish) and cod pil pil are also usually seasoned with aioli.
A comic by Vázquez
As a curiosity, it should be noted that there is a comic titled “Ali-Oli, oriental seller” . It is a creation of the Spanish Manuel Vázquez Gallego ( 1930 – 1995 ).
Ali-Oli , in this setting, is an Arab merchant who travels on a magic carpet. Wearing a typical turban, he is dedicated to committing scams and deceptions thanks to his cunning .
“Ali-Oli, oriental seller” became known in 1969 as part of the magazine “Tío Vivo” . Then he had appearances in “Super Mortadelo” and “Gran Pulgarcito” .