A regular at my restaurant kept complaining that her sandwiches at home were boring compared to our Mediterranean wraps. When she finally asked me what our secret was, I couldn’t help but laugh – it was all about the roasted red pepper aioli. After showing her this 10-minute shortcut version of the classic sauce, she now drops by just to tell me how she’s putting it on everything from grilled chicken to veggie dips. Trust me, once you master this simple recipe, you’ll never go back to plain mayo again.
History
While traditional aioli traces its origins to the Mediterranean region as a simple garlic and olive oil emulsion, the modern roasted red pepper variation emerged much later as culinary techniques evolved.
I’ll explain how this sauce transformed from its ancient Roman roots into today’s adaptable condiment. The original Mediterranean aioli contained just garlic and oil, but as cooking methods advanced, we began incorporating egg yolks and other ingredients to create a mayonnaise-like consistency.
The addition of roasted red peppers represents our modern interpretation, bringing new flavor dimensions to this classic sauce. This evolution reflects our growing interest in incorporating roasted vegetables into traditional recipes.
Recipe
Roasted Red Pepper Aioli is a luxurious Mediterranean-inspired condiment that combines the smoky sweetness of roasted peppers with the rich, creamy texture of traditional aioli. The blend of garlic and mayonnaise creates a perfect base for the peppers, while a touch of lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the flavors.
This versatile sauce can elevate simple dishes to new heights, whether used as a spread, dip, or finishing sauce. The preparation is straightforward, requiring minimal cooking skills, yet the result is a professional-quality condiment that can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for meal prep and entertaining.
Ingredients:
- 2 large red bell peppers
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
To prepare the aioli, start by roasting the red peppers in a 450°F oven for 25-30 minutes until the skin is charred. Once cooled and peeled, combine the roasted peppers, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
Add the mayonnaise and continue pulsing 5-7 times until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
For best results, ensure the roasted peppers are completely cooled and dried before processing to prevent a watery consistency. If the aioli becomes too thick, thin it out with a small amount of olive oil or lemon juice.
To achieve a smoother texture, strain the processed peppers through a fine-mesh sieve before combining with mayonnaise. The aioli can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
How to Serve It
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, serving this vibrant aioli opens up countless possibilities in the kitchen.
Use Roasted Red Pepper Aioli as a dipping sauce for steamed artichokes or grilled vegetables. Drizzle it over Cajun Trinity Keto Crab Cakes or grilled salmon for enhanced flavor.
Spread it generously on sandwiches with turkey or chicken for creamy texture. Toss it with pasta dishes to create roasted red bell pepper penne.
Present it alongside fresh veggies, crackers, and cheeses on charcuterie boards. The versatility of this sauce makes it perfect for everything from casual snacks to elegant dinner presentations.
Final Thoughts
As you experiment with this versatile sauce, you’ll discover countless ways to elevate everyday dishes into something special. I’ve found that this roasted red pepper aioli recipe combines garlic, mayonnaise, olive oil, and lemon juice into a perfect blend of flavors. It’s an easy sauce that takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
| Uses | Pairings | Storage Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwiches | Grilled Meats | Keep Refrigerated |
| Dips | Vegetables | Use within 5 days |
| Spreads | Seafood | Seal Container |
| Marinades | Pasta | Stir before use |
| Dressings | Burgers | Check freshness |
Store your aioli properly, and you’ll have a delicious condiment ready whenever you need it.
Check out our Sweet Bell Pepper Aioli recipe for another Mediterranean-inspired twist on this classic condiment.
