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Cuisine Marrakech

Moroccan · Condiment

Chermoula Mayonnaise

A modern condiment that folds Morocco's coriander-and-cumin chermoula into a silky mayonnaise, streaked green and packed with garlic, lemon and paprika. Brilliant with fried fish, grilled prawns, chips or as a sandwich spread, it bottles the flavour of the coast in a jar.

Prep
10 min
Cook
0 min
Total
10 min
Serves
8
Level
Easy
Chermoula Mayonnaise

Ingredients

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 200 ml neutral oil
  • 1 large bunch coriander, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Pinch of chilli
  • Salt to taste

Method

  1. 1

    Start the mayo

    Whisk the egg yolk with the mustard and a little salt.

  2. 2

    Emulsify

    Add the oil drop by drop at first, whisking constantly, then in a thin stream, until thick and glossy.

  3. 3

    Loosen

    Whisk in some of the lemon juice to loosen and brighten.

  4. 4

    Add chermoula

    Fold in the coriander, garlic, cumin, paprika and chilli.

  5. 5

    Season

    Adjust salt, lemon and heat to taste.

  6. 6

    Serve

    Chill and serve with fried fish, prawns, chips or in sandwiches.

Chef's tips

  • Have all ingredients at room temperature so the emulsion holds.
  • If it splits, whisk a fresh yolk in a clean bowl and add the split mixture slowly.
  • For a shortcut, stir the chermoula into good shop-bought mayonnaise.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use shop-bought mayo?

Absolutely — fold the chermoula ingredients into a good jarred mayonnaise for an instant version. Homemade just gives a fresher, lighter result.

How long does it keep?

Homemade with raw yolk, use within 2–3 days and keep refrigerated. A version made with shop mayo lasts as long as the mayo's date.