
Rich, garlicky, and impossibly silky, this classic aioli is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste better. It comes together with just a handful of clean, simple ingredients — garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice, and good olive oil — so there's nothing hidden in the mix that could cause a reaction for anyone avoiding spices. The technique is the real star here: working the garlic into a smooth paste first means every bite carries deep, even flavor without any harsh chunks, and the slow drizzle of olive oil builds that signature creamy, emulsified texture from scratch. It's genuinely satisfying to watch the mixture transform from a thin, pale liquid into something thick enough to hold a ribbon on the surface. Use it as a dipping sauce, spread it on sandwiches, or dollop it alongside roasted vegetables — it elevates just about anything on the table. Store-bought versions often sneak in mustard, paprika, or other seasonings, so making your own is the only way to be sure you're getting a truly pure result.
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Using a mortar and pestle (or the flat of a knife on a cutting board), pound or mince the garlic with the 1/4 tsp kosher salt until it forms a smooth, sticky paste with no visible chunks remaining.
Transfer the garlic paste to a medium bowl. Add the pasteurized egg yolks, lemon juice, and cold water, and whisk together until the mixture is uniform and slightly pale, about 30 seconds.
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