Potato Skordalia (σκοÏδαλιά)
1 1/2 pounds of potatoes for boiling
6-12 cloves of garlic, minced or grated (to taste) – firm, fresh, crisp garlic
1 C. extra virgin olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
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). While they are cooking, crush garlic cloves with salt using a mortar and pestle. Drain potatoes and pass through a ricer. Add pureed garlic and pour in lemon juice and olive oil. Beat briskly with wooden spoon until well mixed and smooth. Season well with salt and pepper. Stir in 3 tsp. or so of the cooking water (or hot fish broth if you have it). Serve with fried salt cod.