Skordalia (Greek Garlic Potato Dip)

Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 servings

Description

Perfect for cookouts or picnics, Chef John's take on skordalia, or Greek garlic potato dip, is as versatile as it is easy to make.

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds russet potatoes
6 cloves garlic, sliced, or to taste
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 drizzle olive oil, or to taste
1 pinch minced fresh oregano

Directions

1 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.
2 While potatoes are cooking, add garlic and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to a mortar and pestle. Crush into a fine paste and reserve.
3 Drain potatoes, reserving some of the cooking water to thin the dip out with later if desired. Let sit for 5 minutes.
4 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.
5 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.