In a word, yes. However, it’s not as straightforward as just comparing the cost, so in order to answer the question you first need to decide how much you enjoy the process of cooking and where you draw the line; where it stops being pleasurable and becomes a hassle.
The other difficulty in answering the question ‘is it worth it?’, is you’re not comparing like with like; a homemade mayonnaise is far superior to the majority of shop bought versions…ask yourself what mayonnaise tastes of? Clearly it wouldn’t be worth the effort if the result was equally as bland; but it won’t be, it couldn’t possibly be and this is why you need to make your own.
However if it was purely a matter of cost, then the answer is surprisingly ‘yes, actually it is’*, and I would also argue that it’s equal in effort too.
Mayonnaise is simply a couple of egg yolks, a dollop of mustard, sunflower oil, a dash of vinegar and five minutes of your time. And once you have a homemade mayonnaise, you can make your own aïoli, tartare sauce, Marie Rose…
Ingredients
Makes 300g
2 x large egg yolks
1 x rounded tablespoon Dijon mustard (20g)
250ml sunflower oil
1 x tablespoon white wine vinegar
Have everything at room temperature before you start.
Add the mustard to the egg yolks in a medium sized mixing bowl. Work the two together with a whisk, then begin adding the oil a few drops at a time whilst continuing to whisk. (I’ve been caught out before using a thick rimmed jug to pour the oil from, to find the oil has been dribbling down the side of the jug and pouring off the bottom underneath my hand where I couldn’t see it).
Continue adding the oil gradually, increasing the rate of drips and eventually pouring the oil in a very thin dribble.
Once all the oil is in and the mayonnaise is thick, add half the vinegar to begin with along with a good pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Taste for seasoning.
Your mayonnaise will keep refrigerated for up to a week.
*Based on current supermarket prices, my homemade mayonnaise cost 75p for 300g, compared to £3.00 for an 800g jar of a well-known brand name (=£1.13 for 300g).