aioli

American  

[ahy-oh-lee, ey-oh-, a-yaw-lee] / aɪˈoʊ li, eɪˈoʊ-, a yɔˈli /

noun

Cooking.

1. a garlic-flavored mayonnaise of Provence, served with fish and seafood and often with vegetables.

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aïoli British  

/ aɪˈəʊlɪ, eɪ- /

noun

1. garlic mayonnaise

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Usage

What does aioli mean? Aioli is a sauce made by mashing garlic and olive oil into a paste, sometimes with the addition of egg.Traditionally, Spanish-style aioli is a thick paste made only from garlic and olive oil, while French-style aioli often includes egg. Sometimes aioli is used as a fancier word for mayonnaise, especially when it has garlic in it. In all of its forms, aioli is an emulsion, meaning its ingredients are specially blended into smooth consistency.Example: The menu says aioli, but I’m pretty sure this is just mayo.

Etymology

Origin of aioli

1895–1900; < French aïoli < Provençal, equivalent to ai garlic (< Latin allium ) + oli oil (< Latin oleum; oil )

Compare meaning

How does aioli compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• aioli vs. mayonnaise

Example Sentences

Hall tentatively dips a fry into the truffle aioli sauce.

From Los Angeles Times

Next, a little deep-fried quail leg, crisp and savory, like a miniature Southern Colonel’s specialty or Bill Gorton’s riverside treat, paired with a sharp aioli.

From Salon

We ordered what I consider to be the perfect lunch: mussels poached in white wine and herbs, slices of crusty country loaf griddled in olive oil, and a plate of frites with aioli.

From Salon

Cuban-Inspired Loaded Fries: Crispy fries topped with savory picadillo, a drizzle of garlicky aioli, pickled red onions, oozy mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

From Salon

For creamy, yolky dishes: fold it into cheesy potatoes, swipe it into horseradish aioli alongside fries, or whisk it into a horseradish–ranch dressing for a steak salad.

From Salon