This fresh herb aïoli is the perfect companion to a platter of seasonal vegetables for your next brunch.
I’m seeing the start of spring everywhere; sunshine, daffodils and asparagus are just a few of the telltale signs. There are shades of green and pink popping up and it’s just the beginning…
Young spring vegetables are so fresh and tender right now they hardly need a thing to accompany them; well, except perhaps for a dab of green herb aïoli.
Light, bright and very spring-like aïoli is the perfect counterpart to a platter of seasonal vegetables like asparagus, radishes and carrots. The versatile Provencal sauce is a nice starting place for a casual meal with friends complete with glasses of crisp rosé wine. Think of it as your secret to easy spring and summer entertaining.
Also known as the “butter of Provence” aïoli is a rich and creamy sauce made from garlic and olive oil emulsified with egg yolks that just begs to be paired with the best that spring and summer produce has to offer.
In fact a feast called “le grand aïoli” often composed of steamed fish and vegetables is a traditional choice for celebratory meals in the south of France. It’s my favorite kind of meal, the kind that’s served family style, that requires using your hands and encourages sharing.
I like to serve the bold sauce on a large platter surrounded with an array of vegetables and hard boiled eggs instead of fish for a brunch or lunch accompanied with a few bottles of rosé within close reach. All that's required is a little bit of prep and some hungry guests!
Herb Aïoli
Known as the “butter of Provence” aioli is a rich and creamy sauce that's perfect served with a variety of vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Aïoli:
- 3-4 garlic cloves (split the garlic lengthwise, if it's started to sprout, remove the green before using since it will give a bitter taste to the aïoli.)
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ cup, fresh herbs such as chives, tarragon and parsley, finely chopped
- 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature (if you are concerned about using raw egg yolks you can pasteurize your eggs in the shell before using them.)
- Juice of half a small lemon
- ½ tsp ground mustard powder
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil (choose a mild tasting one so the taste doesn’t overwhelm the sauce)
For the spread:
- 6 hard boiled eggs, cut in half
- 12 oz. green beans, lightly steamed or blanched
- 1 lb.young carrots, peeled or well scrubbed
- 12 oz. asparagus, lightly steamed or blanched
- 1 or 2 bunches mixed radishes, greens and roots trimmed
- 1 cup olives (mixture of green and black)
Instructions
- Finely chop garlic using a mortar and pestle or on a chopping board. Pound garlic with the salt until a paste forms if using a mortar and pestle or with the back of your knife if using a chopping board.
- Add garlic salt paste to the bowl of a food processor along with the fresh herbs and pulse until finely chopped and incorporated.
- Add the egg yolks, lemon juice and mustard powder and pulse again until incorporated.
- Turn processor to on position and drizzle oil in slowly until a thick, shiny aioli is achieved. Aioli can be prepared a day ahead; store in refrigerator.
- Serve with prepared vegetables and hard boiled eggs (see below for how to make hard boiled eggs).
To cook the eggs (recipe courtesy of McCormick):
- Gently place eggs in single layer in medium saucepan.
- Add enough cold water to cover eggs with one inch of water.
- Bring just to boil on medium-high heat. Remove from heat, cover and let stand about 15 minutes for large eggs.
- After 15 minutes, pour off the hot water and rapidly cool eggs by running them under cold water (or place in ice water) until completely cooled.
- Refrigerate and use within a week.
Notes
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Vegetarian
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 268Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 251mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 3gSugar: 4gProtein: 7g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
sue/the view from great island says
I think I'd be so busy staring at this gorgeous platter I'd forget to eat!
Kristi Rimkus says
This is an absolutely lovely platter!
Ally @ Om Nom Ally says
This is the most delectable version of aioli I've ever come across, love the ingredients, love the colour 😀 Yum!
spree says
This sounds and looks absolutely Extraordinary!! How could it possibly be prettier? (rhetorical question, it couldn't!) Beautiful, beautiful images, and a recipe that's being pinned so as never to be forgotten!
Shaina says
I made this for Easter, and it was worth every bite.
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
Looks so appealing and dare I say...sexy?? Beautiful work!
Wizzy says
So fresh and a perfect way to highlight seasonal veggies.
Asmita says
What a gorgeous platter! The aioli looks and sounds yummy! The fresh herbs in the aioli must really bring out the flavor.
Kitchen Belleicious says
the ailoi looks intoxicating. as in I would eat WAYYY too much! So beautiful