Ingredients:
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp vinegar
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 cup neutral-flavored oil (such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed)
– 1-2 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and salt until well combined.
2. While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the oil, starting with just a few drops at a time. As you continue to whisk, the mixture will start to thicken and emulsify.
3. Once you’ve added about half of the oil, you can start to add it more quickly, in a thin, steady stream. Keep whisking until all of the oil has been incorporated and the mixture is thick and creamy.
4. If the mayonnaise seems too thick, you can add a bit of water, a teaspoon at a time, to thin it out.
5. Taste the mayonnaise and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you’d like it to be a bit tangier, you can add a teaspoon or two of lemon juice.
6. Transfer the mayonnaise to a jar or container and refrigerate until ready to use. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips:
– Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This will help the emulsification process.
– Whisking constantly is key to making a successful mayonnaise. If you have an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, you can use that instead of whisking by hand.
– If you’re using a high-powered blender or food processor to make mayonnaise, you can add all of the ingredients at once and blend until thick and creamy. Be careful not to over-blend, or the mayonnaise may break.
Customizing your mayonnaise:
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different flavors and seasonings to make a custom mayonnaise that suits your tastes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Garlic mayonnaise: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the bowl before whisking.
– Herb mayonnaise: Stir in chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill, at the end.
– Spicy mayonnaise: Mix in a small amount of sriracha or hot sauce to give your mayo a kick.
– Avocado mayonnaise: Puree half of a ripe avocado and mix it in with the mayonnaise for a creamy, flavorful spread.
In conclusion, making mayonnaise from scratch is an easy and fun way to add flavor to your meals. With just a few simple ingredients and some whisking, you can create a delicious and versatile condiment that you can customize to your liking. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!