Ingredients

• 1/3  cup mayonnaise
• 1  to 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1  teaspoon water
• 1/2  teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/8  teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt
• 1/4  to 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and garlic. Whisk in the water, lemon juice and salt till the mixture is smooth. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, a few teaspoons at a time, till the mixture reaches the thickness you like. (If the mixture becomes too thick, whisk in additional water to reach the desired consistency.)

2. Serve as a sauce with hot or chilled vegetables, cooked and chilled shellfish, or chilled leftover beef and lamb. Makes 2/3 cup sauce.

Basil Aioli:Stir 2 teaspoons of snipped fresh basil into prepared Aioli.