Golden, silky, and deeply aromatic with garlic and lemon, this aioli is the kind of kitchen staple that quietly transforms everything it touches. Make it by hand or in the food processor, then try one of the easy variations like chipotle, roasted garlic, or lemon-herb.

Aioli is a critical success factor in this fabulous dish. Its creaminess and one-two punch of garlic and lemon balance perfectly with the zesty smokiness of the shrimp and the sweetness of the tomatoes.