Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce

Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce Recipe - Traditional Macedonian Delight

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce, also known as skordalia, is a traditional Greek sauce that is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping vegetables or serving as a side dish. This recipe combines the bold flavors of garlic and walnuts with bread, olive oil, and vinegar to create a delicious and versatile sauce.

History

Skordalia has been a staple in Greek cuisine for centuries, with variations of the recipe found throughout the Mediterranean region. Traditionally, skordalia was made with bread, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, but different regions and families have added their own twists to the recipe over time. The addition of walnuts in this version adds a nutty flavor and extra texture to the sauce.

Ingredients

6 cloves of garlic
0.5 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts
3 cups of stale crumbled bread, without crusts
1 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
4 tbsp of red wine vinegar
salt to taste

How to prepare

In a mortar and pestle or in the bowl of a food processor, crush the garlic and salt until it forms a paste. Add the walnuts and continue to crush until the mixture becomes grainy. Moisten the bread under running water and then squeeze out the excess moisture. Add the bread to the bowl and continue to crush everything together. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil and vinegar, alternating between each, and continue to crush until the skordalia becomes creamy. If it is too thick, you can add a little water.
Serve the skordalia as a dip or as a side dish with fresh or fried vegetables and various fish.

Variations

Add fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for extra flavor.
Use almonds or pine nuts instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
Add a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to crush the garlic and salt into a paste before adding the walnuts and bread. This will help to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the sauce.

- Gradually drizzle in the olive oil and vinegar while crushing the ingredients together to ensure a creamy consistency.

- If the skordalia is too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce as a dip with fresh or fried vegetables, or as a side dish with various fish dishes.

Cooking Techniques

Crush the garlic, salt, walnuts, and bread together until creamy, gradually adding olive oil and vinegar for a smooth consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version of the sauce.

- Substitute almonds or pine nuts for walnuts if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce in a small bowl garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce with grilled vegetables, fried zucchini, or grilled fish for a delicious and flavorful meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce contains approximately 30 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce is a good source of vitamin E, vitamin B6, and manganese.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and gluten (bread), so it may not be suitable for those with nut allergies or gluten sensitivities.

Summary

Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce is a flavorful and creamy sauce that is high in fats and calories, but also contains essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce that is perfect for dipping vegetables or serving as a side dish. With a creamy texture and bold flavors, this traditional Greek sauce is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Garlic-Walnut Dipping Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Maria was known for her delicious homemade dishes, and that day she had prepared a simple yet mouthwatering appetizer - garlic-walnut dipping sauce served with fresh vegetables.

As soon as I took a bite of the creamy sauce, I was hooked. The flavors of the garlic and walnuts blended perfectly, creating a rich and nutty taste that lingered on my palate. I begged Maria to share the recipe with me, and she gladly obliged.

Maria told me that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. The secret, she said, was in the quality of the ingredients and the method of preparation. She showed me how to roast the walnuts until they were golden brown and fragrant, and how to finely mince the garlic to release its full flavor.

I watched in awe as Maria effortlessly whipped up the sauce, combining the roasted walnuts, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a dash of salt in a food processor. The result was a smooth and creamy dip that was perfect for dunking crisp vegetables or spreading on crusty bread.

I couldn't wait to try making the garlic-walnut dipping sauce on my own. When I returned home, I gathered the ingredients and followed Maria's instructions to the letter. It was a labor of love, but the end result was worth it. The sauce turned out just as delicious as the one Maria had made, and I knew I had found a new favorite recipe to add to my collection.

Over the years, I have made the garlic-walnut dipping sauce countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my taste. Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or a handful of fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. No matter how I choose to customize it, the sauce always brings back fond memories of that summer day with Maria.

As I continued to experiment with different variations of the recipe, I discovered that the garlic-walnut dipping sauce was incredibly versatile. It was perfect for dipping vegetables, chips, or crackers, but it also made a great spread for sandwiches or a flavorful marinade for grilled meats.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious taste. It brings me joy to know that a simple recipe passed down from one friend to another can bring so much happiness to those who try it.

As I sit in my kitchen, preparing a fresh batch of garlic-walnut dipping sauce, I can't help but feel grateful for the friendships and connections that have brought me to this point. It's not just a recipe - it's a reminder of the love and generosity that have enriched my life in so many ways.

So the next time you're looking for a flavorful and versatile sauce to add to your culinary repertoire, give this garlic-walnut dipping sauce a try. Who knows, maybe it will become a beloved recipe in your family for generations to come.