Consistently Making Mayonnaise with a Stick Blender

Mayonnaise is a versatile condiment that's easy to make at home. With a stick blender, the process becomes even more straightforward, although it does require some technique to achieve that perfect creamy consistency. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make mayonnaise consistently using a stick blender.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Before we begin, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and equip ourselves with the right tools. You will need:

2 large egg yolks juice of half a lemon 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard 1 pinch of salt 200 ml of vegetable oil (sunflower or peanut oil is ideal) A stick blender with a whisk attachment

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mayonnaise

Now that we have everything ready, let’s dive into the process. First, place the egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt in a small cup or bowl. Use the whisk attachment of your stick blender to mix these ingredients until well combined. The mixture should have a smooth, homogenous texture.

Tempering the Ingredients

Tempering ensures that the egg yolks and oil are at the right temperature. This step is critical for success. Keep your bowl and ingredients at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the mixture to break.

Once the yolk mixture is smooth, slowly add the oil in a controlled manner. Start by adding the first ten teaspoons of oil drop by drop, ensuring that the mixture emulsifies fully before adding the next drop. Then, you can start adding the oil in teaspoons.

Blending Thoroughly for Emulsion

Using a low speed, carefully blend the mixture in a circular motion along the edges of the cup. This technique helps the oil and yolk emulsify properly, leading to a stable mayonnaise consistency. Add the next few teaspoons, and continue until the mixture thickens and emulsifies.

Once you see the initial signs of the mayonnaise coming together, you can gradually increase the flow rate slightly, adding the remaining oil in small doses. Always ensure that the mixture is fully incorporated before adding more oil. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.

Finishing Touches

By the time you’ve added all the oil, you should have a thick, smooth, and creamy mayonnaise. If the consistency is too thin, you can add a bit more yolk and re-blend. If too thick, a little bit of water or lemon juice can be added to thin it slightly.

Tips for Perfect Mayonnaise

Room Temperature: Ensure all ingredients, especially the egg yolks and oil, are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the mixture to break. Low Speed: Always use a low speed when blending to prevent the mixture from getting too hot and breaking. Consistent Emulsification: Mix the oil in small, consistent doses, waiting for each addition to be fully incorporated before adding more. This prevents the mixture from separating. Stable Texture: Avoid over-blending, as this can lead to a SOFT and unevenly emulsified mayonnaise.

The result is a creamy, firm, and flavorful mayonnaise that will vastly improve upon any store-bought version. Enjoy your homemade mayonnaise on sandwiches, potato salads, or as a dip!

Conclusion

With a stick blender, making mayonnaise becomes an achievable and rewarding process. By following these steps and tips, you can consistently produce a perfect mayonnaise that adds a rich depth of flavor to any dish. Give it a try and see the difference a homemade mayonnaise can make!