From the Danube's Shores: A Potent Romanian Garlic & Walnut Dip (Scordolea)
Details
A creamy, pungent dip where garlic reigns supreme, balanced by earthy walnuts and potatoes.
Ingredients
For Garnish: a few whole walnuts, fresh parsley
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes and boil them in their skins until tender. Once cooked, peel them while still warm and mash thoroughly with a fork or potato ricer until you have a smooth purée. Set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Garlic Base
If using, soak the slice of bread in a little water for a minute, then squeeze it out completely. In a mortar and pestle or a food processor, crush the garlic cloves with a generous pinch of salt to form a paste. Add the ground walnuts and the squeezed bread (if using) and pound or pulse until well combined.
Emulsify the Dip
Slowly begin to drizzle the olive oil into the walnut and garlic mixture while stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon or with the food processor running on low. Continue until the oil is incorporated and the mixture resembles a thick mayonnaise.
Combine and Finish
Add the lemon juice or vinegar and mix well. Fold the mashed potatoes into the garlic-walnut emulsion, mixing until everything is smooth and uniform. If the dip is too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of cold water until it reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency.
Serve
Transfer the Scordolea to a serving bowl. Garnish with a few whole walnuts and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It is traditionally served at room temperature as a dip with bread or as a flavourful side for grilled fish.
Recipe reviews
Leave a review
Sign in to share your review.
Reviews
More recipes
Creamy Sri Lankan Garlic Curry: An Authentic Sududu Maalu Recipe
Forget everything you think you know about garlic. In this classic Sri Lankan curry, whole cloves of garlic are simmered in a fragrant coconut milk bath until they become impossibly creamy, sweet, and tender. This isn't a dish with a hint of garlic; this is a celebration of it. Aromatic pandan, curry leaves, and a touch of spice create a deeply comforting and surprisingly mellow curry that will transport you straight to a warm evening in Colombo. It's the perfect side dish to intrigue and delight, turning an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.
Aussie Garlic Prawns: The Perfect Recipe for the Barbie
Fire up the barbecue for the ultimate social food. These Aussie garlic prawns are fast, impressive, and ridiculously tasty, leaving you with a buttery, garlicky sauce that's pure gold. This is the recipe you pull out for sunny afternoons, good company, and creating a bit of delicious drama with minimum fuss.