garlicky mayo crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "garlicky mayo crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
AÏOLI: A classic Mediterranean sauce made from garlic, olive oil, and egg yolks, resembling a rich, garlicky mayonnaise.
AIOLI: A common alternative spelling for the garlicky mayonnaise-like sauce, often found in puzzles without the diaeresis.
More About "garlicky mayo crossword clue"
The term "garlicky mayo" points almost exclusively to Aïoli, a delightful condiment with deep roots in Mediterranean cuisine. While it might taste like a very garlicky mayonnaise, traditional Aïoli, particularly from regions like Provence, originally omitted egg yolks and was simply an emulsion of garlic and olive oil. Over time, egg yolks were often added to stabilize the emulsion and achieve a creamier consistency, making it indistinguishable from a garlic-infused mayonnaise to many.
Aïoli is incredibly versatile, served with everything from seafood (especially cod) and boiled vegetables to grilled meats. Its robust flavor makes it a standout condiment, capable of transforming simple dishes into culinary experiences. Crossword constructors often favor Aïoli as a clue because of its unique spelling, particularly the 'Ï' with the diaeresis, which can challenge solvers and offer interesting letter combinations for grid fill.
Understanding the common spellings, AÏOLI and AIOLI, is key. Both are accepted, and the correct one for your puzzle will depend on the available letter count and surrounding letters. This clue often tests a solver's culinary knowledge as much as their vocabulary.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think regionally: Clues about food, especially specific preparations like "garlicky mayo," often hint at regional cuisines. Mediterranean, French, or Spanish terms are good candidates.
- Consider diacritics: For words like Aïoli, be mindful of diacritical marks (like the umlaut/diaeresis). Crossword puzzles might include or omit them, so having both spellings (AÏOLI, AIOLI) in mind can be a lifesaver.
- Look for common letter counts: Many specific food terms, especially foreign ones, fall into common letter counts like 5 or 6 letters. If you have partial letters, try fitting common culinary terms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Aïoli?
Aïoli is a sauce originating from the Mediterranean, particularly popular in Provence, France, and Catalonia, Spain. It traditionally consists of garlic, olive oil, and salt, emulsified to form a thick, creamy sauce. Modern versions often include egg yolk to help with emulsification, making it very similar to a garlicky mayonnaise.
Is Aïoli always considered a 'garlicky mayo'?
While many contemporary recipes for Aïoli include egg yolks, making it texturally and compositionally very similar to mayonnaise with added garlic, traditional Aïoli (especially in parts of France) is a simpler emulsion of garlic, olive oil, and salt, sometimes with a little bread. However, in common culinary usage and especially in crosswords, 'garlicky mayo' is an apt description for its most recognized form.
Why is 'Aïoli' a common crossword answer?
Aïoli is a frequent crossword answer due to its distinctive spelling (especially with the diaeresis), its culinary popularity, and its precise definition as a 'garlicky mayo'. It provides a specific, often less common, set of letters that fits well into various grid patterns while being a recognizable food item.