Name: Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks; 4-6 fresh garlic cloves, finely crushed or minced; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

If you love bold, fresh flavors and creamy textures, the Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia) will become your new kitchen favorite. This dish elegantly combines fluffy potatoes with robust garlic, olive oil, and a hint of acid to create a dip that’s both zesty and deeply comforting. Whether served as an appetizer, a side, or a snack, Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia) brings an authentic taste of Greece to your table with its simple yet unforgettable profile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: Experience traditional Greek flavors packed with fresh garlic and smooth potatoes, delivering a genuine Mediterranean taste.
Simple Ingredients: Made with just a handful of kitchen staples, this recipe is easy to prepare without sacrificing deliciousness.
Versatile Use: Perfect as a dip, spread, or side, making it a great companion for veggies, bread, fish, and more.
Comforting Texture: Creamy and silky, this dip has the perfect balance that feels indulgent but light.
Customizable Zest: You can easily adjust the garlic and lemon levels to suit your personal taste for that perfect zing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia) lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building its rich, creamy, and garlicky character, while keeping the dish fresh and vibrant.

Potatoes: Boiled and mashed, they provide the smooth and fluffy base for the dip.
Garlic: Fresh cloves add a pungent kick and authentic Greek flavor throughout.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin quality creates a rich, silky texture and a fruity undertone.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the potatoes and oil.
White Vinegar: A splash enhances the tanginess for a traditional touch.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors harmoniously.

Variations for Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia)

Feel free to customize the Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia) to suit your preferences or dietary needs. It’s surprisingly easy to tweak while maintaining its core deliciousness.

Walnut Skordalia: Add ground walnuts for a nutty crunch and extra depth of flavor.
Almond or Cashew Base: Swap some potatoes with soaked almonds or cashews to make a creamier, richer texture.
Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to give your dip a gentle heat.
Herbal Freshness: Toss in chopped fresh parsley or dill to add a green, fragrant note.
Vegan Variation: Use olive oil and lemon only—skip any dairy or eggs if your recipe calls for it elsewhere.

Greek Garlic Potato Dip Skordalia for a Zesty Sheer Delight

How to Make Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia)

Step 1: Prepare and Boil the Potatoes

Start by peeling and cutting medium-sized potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Drain and Mash Thoroughly

Drain the potatoes well and mash them in a large bowl until completely smooth with no lumps. This is the foundation for your creamy dip.

Step 3: Crush the Garlic

Finely crush fresh garlic cloves using a mortar and pestle or mince them very finely to release their full aroma and prevent harsh bites in the dip.

Step 4: Slowly Add Olive Oil and Liquids

Whisk the mashed potatoes vigorously as you slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil, followed by fresh lemon juice and a splash of white vinegar to create a silky emulsion.

Step 5: Season to Taste and Adjust

Season with salt and pepper. Taste and add more garlic or lemon juice if you want a stronger flavor punch or more brightness.

Pro Tips for Making Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia)

Use Fresh Garlic: The flavor of this dip relies heavily on fresh, raw garlic for that authentic zing.
Drain Potatoes Well: Ensure no water remains in mashed potatoes to avoid a watery dip.
Slowly Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the oil gradually while whisking to achieve a silky, light texture.
Balance Acidity: Adjust lemon juice and vinegar little by little to suit your taste and avoid overpowering sharpness.
Serve at Room Temperature: This dip tastes best when it’s not too cold or hot to fully enjoy its creamy consistency.

How to Serve Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia)

Garnishes

Brighten your presentation with chopped fresh parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of paprika to add color and a hint of extra aroma.

Side Dishes

Serve Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia) with warm pita bread, crunchy raw vegetables like carrots and cucumber, or alongside grilled fish and roasted meats for a complete Greek-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try swirling the dip in a shallow bowl, topping with toasted pine nuts or chopped olives, or even using it as a spread on toasted rustic bread for an irresistible appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

While possible, freezing may slightly alter the texture of the dip. If you freeze it, thaw in the fridge and whisk to restore creaminess before serving.

Reheating

Rewarm gently in a microwave or a warm water bath. Stir well and add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh its silky texture.

FAQs

Is Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia) gluten-free?

Yes, traditional Skordalia is naturally gluten-free since it primarily uses potatoes, garlic, olive oil, and seasonings without any wheat-containing ingredients.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for authentic flavor, but in a pinch, garlic powder can be used; however, the dip will lose some of its pungent brightness.

What can I substitute for potatoes if I want a lighter dip?

Try using pureed cauliflower or soaked bread as alternatives to potatoes for different textures and lighter options.

How long does Greek Garlic Potato Dip last after making?

Stored properly in the fridge, the dip stays fresh and tasty up to 3 days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first 48 hours.

Can I make Skordalia ahead for a party?

Absolutely! It can be prepared a day before and chilled. Bring it to room temperature and stir before serving for the best taste and texture.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a taste of Greece into your kitchen has never been easier or more delicious than with Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia). This creamy, garlicky delight is perfect for any occasion and sure to impress friends and family with its fresh flavors and smooth texture. Give this recipe a try—you might just uncover your new favorite dip!

Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia)

Author: Brooklyn
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Vegan (if no dairy is added)

Print Recipe

Description

Greek Garlic Potato Dip (Skordalia) is a traditional Mediterranean dip that combines fluffy mashed potatoes with fresh garlic, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and white vinegar. It offers a creamy, zesty, and comforting flavor that works perfectly as a dip, spread, or side dish, bringing authentic Greek flavors to your table with minimal ingredients and effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
4–6 fresh garlic cloves, finely crushed or minced
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare and Boil the Potatoes: Peel and cut the medium-sized potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 15-20 minutes.
Drain and Mash Thoroughly: Drain the potatoes very well to remove all excess water. Mash them in a large bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps to create a fluffy base for the dip.
Crush the Garlic: Finely crush fresh garlic cloves using a mortar and pestle or mince very finely to release their full aroma and avoid harsh garlic bites in the dip.
Slowly Add Olive Oil and Liquids: While whisking the mashed potatoes vigorously, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil, followed by the fresh lemon juice and a splash of white vinegar. This process emulsifies the dip, creating a silky, light texture.
Season to Taste and Adjust: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the dip and adjust by adding more garlic or lemon juice if you desire stronger garlic flavor or brighter acidity.