Skip to main content

Saffron Mayonnaise

You can use store-bought mayonnaise, if you like; skip step 1.

Cooks' Note

The egg in this recipe is not fully cooked. It should not be prepared for pregnant women, babies, young children, the elderly, or anyone whose health is compromised.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes about 1 cup

Ingredients

1 large egg
Pinch of dried mustard
Coarse salt
1/2 cup light olive oil
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Process the egg, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor until pale and foamy, about 1 1/2 minutes. Combine the oils; with the machine running, add the oil, drop by drop, through the feed tube until the mixture begins to thicken (about 1/4 cup oil; do not stop the machine). Add the remaining oil in a slow, steady stream, processing until incorporated. Gradually add 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice.

    Step 2

    Grind the saffron with a mortar and pestle. Transfer to a bowl. Add the remaining teaspoon lemon juice; let stand until the liquid turns yellow, 5 minutes. Strain; discard the saffron threads.

    Step 3

    Put the mayonnaise into a small bowl; drizzle in the saffron liquid, stirring. Season with salt, if desired. Cover; refrigerate until ready to serve, or overnight.

The cookbook cover with a blue background and fine typeface.
Reprinted with permission from The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook: The New Classics by Martha Stewart Living Magazine, copyright © 2007. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of The Crown Publishing Group. Buy the full book from Amazon.
Read More
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.
Using two entire lemons—pith, skin, and all—cranks up the citrus flavor in this classic dessert.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
The secret to extra-fluffy stack? A splash of cold, bubbly seltzer.