Skorthalia (Skordalia): Greek Garlic Dip and Sauce

In Greek: σκορδαλιά pronounced skor-thal-YAH

My older family members would fix this using a mortar and pestle to first degrade the garlic with salt, then add other ingredients to create the purée texture desired. Today, I often use a food processor or hand mixer which makes things a lot easier and takes a lot less time! Skordalia (skorthalia) can also be made with bread, but the potato recipe is more versatile since it can double as garlic mashed potatoes.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

· 1 1/2 pounds of potatoes for boiling
· 6-12 cloves of garlic, minced or grated (to taste)
· 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
· 1/3 cup of good quality red or white wine vinegar
· 1 tablespoon of salt
· 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

Add the salt to a large pot of water. Peel the potatoes and boil in salted water until well done (easily pierced with a fork). Drain.

Sprinkle the potatoes with pepper and mash.

In the blender bowl of the food processor (or with a hand mixer), purée the potatoes and garlic until well mixed, about 30-45 seconds. Still puréeing, slowly add the olive oil and vinegar, alternating between them, tasting as you go, until the mixture is smooth. Skorthalia should be creamy and thick. If it gets too thick, add a little cold water (not more than 1/4 cup).

Yield: About 2-3 cups

To prepare by hand

Mash potatoes with garlic. Drizzle in the olive oil and vinegar slowly, alternating between them, mashing well. Add pepper. This version may be grainier, but the taste is wonderful!

Note: Skordalia is a matter of taste. Some prefer a mild garlic taste, while others prefer a strong garlic taste. If the taste is too strong, adjust the quantities of potatoes or bread up a bit. If the taste is not strong enough, increase the garlic.