Asparagus with Roasted-Garlic Aïoli

Fresh asparagus served with a rich, homemade roasted garlic aioli sauce. The tender-crisp asparagus pairs perfectly with the creamy, garlicky dip made from roasted garlic, mayonnaise, and fresh chives.

6 servings
1 hr 20 min

Ingredients

  • 2 heads garlic
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • cups mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons apple-cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chives
  • 2 lb asparagus
  • trimmed

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 400°F.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Cut off and discard tops of garlic heads to expose cloves, then brush each head with 1/2 tablespoon oil. Wrap heads together in foil and bake until tender, about 45 minutes. Cool to warm.

    45 min

  3. 3.

    Squeeze garlic from skins into a food processor and purée with mayonnaise, vinegar, pepper, and salt. Transfer aioli to a bowl and stir in chives.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Peel lower two thirds of each asparagus stalk with a vegetable peeler. Cook asparagus in a wide 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well in a colander and rinse under cold water until asparagus is cool. Drain and pat dry with paper towels. Serve asparagus with roasted-garlic aioli.

    15 min