Grand aïoli (or aïoli garni) is Provence, France’s perfect response to the question of laid-back summer entertaining. This large spread of seasonal vegetables and seafood, with a generous bowl of garlicky mayonnaise (the aïoli) is a relaxed and convivial meal that invites guests to pick and dip, with no cutlery required. Serve it with chilled rosé wine, et voilà!
An All-Seasons Sauce
Originating from the French region of Provence, aïoli is a thick garlicky sauce made from mashed garlic cloves mixed with emulsified extra virgin olive oil and egg yolk. Think of it as a thicker-than-usual mayonnaise with a wonderfully potent garlic taste. A grand aïoli is the sauce served with an array of dippable accompaniments—including seasonal vegetables, seafood, and sometimes even hard-boiled eggs….