Mayonnaise; a Dressing Made Chiefly of Egg Yolks, Vegetable Oils, and Vinegar or Lemon Juice

Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy sauce, or dressing commonly used on sandwiches, French fries composed salads, and hamburgers. Mayonnaise is usually a mix of vegetable oil and egg yolk, among other ingredients. Egg yolk has long been used as a natural emulsifier between the oil and water phases in mayonnaise and dressing. Eggs are a common ingredient found in majority of mayonnaise. The color varies from near-white to pale yellow, and its texture from a light cream to a thick gel. Mayonnaise is normally not vegan, because one of the crucial ingredients is eggs. But several brands of egg-free and dairy-free vegan mayonnaise can be found at most grocery stores, and at all-natural foods stores.

For starters, mayonnaise is made from raw egg yolks mixed with oil. Its texture is similar to yogurt and can be spread on sandwiches. The addition of seasonings and vinegar adds acidity to the mixture, and the mixture should be kept refrigerated until serving. The consistency of the mayonnaise depends on the ingredients used. Some brands may have a higher acidity than others. For people who are very particular about their food, a low-calorie version is available. To make eggless mayonnaise, simply place the ingredients in a blender or food processor. It takes three to four minutes to make a jar of mayonnaise. Before blending, make sure the milk is thoroughly chilled, because even a slight temperature change can cause curdling.

Mayonnaise is commonly used in hamburgers, sandwiches, French fries, composed salads, and more. It also forms the base for several sauces, including tartar and fry sauces, salsa golf, and rouille. The etymology of mayonnaise is not fully clear. The French use the word mayonnaise in reference to a mixture of egg yolk and vinegar, which is a shortened version of the word "mayonnaise". While this spelling is common in the United States, some people prefer it to the Spanish version, which comes from the city of Mahon in Menorca. This is because it has less sodium and is easier to spread, which is an important aspect of many dishes.

The main ingredients of mayonnaise are oil and raw egg yolks. These are then whisked together to create a thick paste. Additional ingredients are added for flavor, including lemon juice or vinegar. It is important to note that the eggs used should be at room temperature. To add flavor, one can add garlic powder. It gives mayonnaise its distinct garlic flavor and can be added to a sandwich or a salad. Nowadays, the word aioli is pretty much synonymous with mayo, and is often just a simple mayonnaise (homemade or store-bought) that is flavored generously with garlic. Although mayonnaise and aioli are both creamy emulsions, aioli is made from olive oil and garlic while mayo is made from canola oil and egg yolks.