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Skordalia
Skordalia, hummus and vegetables.jpg
Skordalia (center) served with hummus (right), vegetables and pita bread
Type Puree
Place of origin Greece
Main ingredients Garlic
Ingredients generally used Potatoes, walnuts, almonds, bread, olive oil

Skordalia (pronounced skor-tha-LYAH) is a yummy, thick dip or spread from Greek cuisine. It's also sometimes called skordhalia or skorthalia. This creamy dish is mostly made from garlic, mixed with a base of potatoes, walnuts, almonds, or even bread that has been soaked in liquid.

To make it smooth and creamy, olive oil is slowly added, creating a special mix called an emulsion. A little bit of vinegar is also added for extra flavor. Traditionally, skordalia is made by crushing the ingredients together in a mortar and pestle. You can enjoy skordalia as a sauce, a side dish, or a dip for other foods.

What is Skordalia?

Σκορδαλιά (4463501044)
A plate with skordalia

Skordalia is a very old recipe! It's thought to be a modern version of an ancient Greek dish called skorothalmi. The name "Skordalia" itself might be a mix of two words: the Greek word skórdo, which means 'garlic', and the Italian word agliata, which means 'garlicky'. So, it's like saying "garlic-garlicky" – a super garlicky dish!

How is Skordalia Eaten?

The Shore Room - June 2019 - Stierch 01
Skordalia (left) served with flatbread

Skordalia is often served with different kinds of food. It's especially popular with fish that has been fried in a batter, like salt cod. It also tastes great with fried vegetables, such as eggplant and zucchini. Sometimes, people eat it with fish that has been poached (cooked gently in liquid) or with boiled vegetables like beets. It's a very versatile dip!

Different Ways to Make Skordalia

There are a few different ways to make skordalia, depending on where you are in Greece. Some recipes might use eggs to help make the mixture smooth and creamy, instead of or in addition to the other main ingredients. This can make it similar to other garlicky sauces like aïoli from France or allioli from Spain.

In the Ionian Islands of Greece, people often add cod stock (a flavorful liquid made from cooking cod) and lemon juice instead of vinegar. When made this way, skordalia is sometimes eaten as a main dish on its own.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Skordalia para niños

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