**Skordalia: A Culinary Journey Through Greece's Versatile Garlic and Potato Spread**
Skordalia, a cornerstone of Greek cuisine, is a delectable spread that tantalizes taste buds with its harmonious blend of garlic, potatoes, and olive oil. This versatile dish, rooted in the culinary traditions of Greece, holds a prominent place in meze platters, acting as a delightful accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. It also shines as a dip for pita bread, showcasing its versatility as an appetizer or a flavorful addition to main courses. A journey through the diverse recipes presented in this article unveils a world of taste sensations, where classic skordalia intertwines with variations infused with unique ingredients, promising an unforgettable culinary voyage.
SKORDALIA (GREEK GARLIC POTATO DIP)
Not only is this a fabulous dip for vegetables and breads and things like that, it's also served as a side dish for things like fried fish and grilled meats--so this stuff is as versatile as it is easy to make.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Dips and Spreads Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Peel and quarter the potatoes and add to a saucepan with enough cold salted water to cover by 1 inch. Place over medium-high heat; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and continue to simmer until potatoes are tender, but not falling apart, 15 to 20 minutes.
- While potatoes are cooking, add garlic and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to a mortar and pestle. Crush into a fine paste and reserve.
- Drain potatoes, reserving some of the cooking water to thin the dip out with later if desired. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the potatoes to a mixing bowl. Mash with a potato masher or potato ricer until smooth and lump free. Stir in garlic paste. Add lemon juice and vinegar and stir in with the masher.
- Whisk in 1/2 cup olive oil in 3 or 4 additions. Add cayenne and more salt if needed. Pass dip through a mesh strainer into a bowl. Serve at room temperature, garnished with olive oil and oregano.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 183.1 calories, Carbohydrate 13.2 g, Fat 14.2 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 1.6 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 245.7 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
SKORDALIA (GREEK POTATO AND GARLIC DIP)
This hearty dip will make your head spin with garlic. It goes great with charred lamb or vegetable kebabs, or just simply with breadsticks.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories appetizer
Time 50m
Yield about 3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water by 2 inches and season generously with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until very tender, about 30 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let cool slightly.
- Rub the skins off the potatoes and discard them. Coarsely chop the potatoes and puree them through a food mill or ricer into a medium bowl.
- Meanwhile, on a cutting board, lightly sprinkle the garlic with a generous pinch of the salt and smash it into a fine paste with the side of a cook's knife.
- In a food processor, combine the garlic, almonds, and oil and puree into a paste. Mix the oil mixture into the potatoes until incorporated; then mix in the 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon salt, water, lemon juice, and vinegar and season with pepper, to taste. Serve.
SKORDALIA (GREEK GARLIC AND POTATO SPREAD) RECIPE
Don't wait for the cold weather to set in to enjoy mashed potatoes: Take a page from the Greeks with skordalia, a garlicky, tangy mashed potato dip. Flavored with olive oil, vinegar, almonds, and plenty of raw garlic, then served chilled or at room temperature, it'll give you a whole new perspective on what mashed potatoes can be.
Provided by Daniel Gritzer
Categories Side Dish Appetizer Snack Appetizers and Hors d'Oeuvres Snacks
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Set cubed potatoes in a colander and rinse under cold water until water runs clear. Transfer to a large saucepan and cover with cold water by at least 2 inches. Season water with salt until it is salty like tears . Bring water to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until a knife easily pierces potatoes with no resistance, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain potatoes in colander, then rinse with hot running water for 30 seconds.
- Using a potato ricer or a food mill with the finest disk, mash potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Alternatively, thoroughly mash potatoes with a potato masher in a large mixing bowl.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 204 kcal, Carbohydrate 11 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 251 mg, Sugar 1 g, Fat 17 g, ServingSize Makes about 3 cups, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
GREEK GARLIC POTATO DIP (SKORDALIA)
Steps:
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F oven.
- 2. On a heavy baking sheet, bake the potatoes until tender, about one hour. Remove from the oven and set aside until cool enough to handle.
- 3. While potatoes cool, using the flat side of a knife or in a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic and salt together into a fine paste.
- 4. Cut the cooled potatoes lengthwise, scoop out the pulp, and mash through a ricer, food mill, or potato masher, then place into a large mixing bowl. Add the garlic paste, egg yolk, black pepper, olives, almonds, lemon juice, and olive oil to the potatoes and mix well, until it has the consistency of mashed potatoes.
- 5. Adjust the consistency and taste with more olive oil, salt, and pepper, and serve.
Tips:
- Use good quality potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best for this recipe as they have a high starch content and will result in a smooth and creamy spread.
- Boil the potatoes until they are very soft and tender. This will ensure that they are easy to mash and will help to create a smooth spread.
- Use a food processor or blender to puree the potatoes. This will help to create a smooth and creamy spread.
- Add the garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and vinegar to taste. You can adjust the amounts of these ingredients to suit your own taste preferences.
- Chill the spread for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and will make the spread easier to spread.
- Serve the spread with pita bread, crackers, or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Skordalia is a delicious and versatile spread that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. The next time you are looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy potatoes, give skordalia a try. You won't be disappointed!
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