Crisp Black Cod With Skordalia And Roasted Beets Recipes

SKORDALIA (GREEK GARLIC-POTATO SPREAD)

Steps:

• Boil the peeled, diced potatoes in salted water 15-20 minutes until soft, then rinse in a colander under running water for 20 seconds to remove some of the excess starch. Let the potatoes drain thoroughly so they are very dry, then mash with a potato ricer or potato masher.
• In a food processor, pulse the garlic and almonds into a paste with the vinegar, water, salt and pepper to form a paste. Gradually add the olive oil to the food processor and continue to mix until combined.
• Transfer the garlic paste to a large bowl with the hot mashed potatoes. Stir in the olive oil and garlic paste thoroughly until it is absorbed by the warm potatoes, (if the potatoes are cold, the olive oil won't incorporate as well).
• Serve the skordalia chilled or at room temperature with roasted beets and/or warmed pita bread cut into triangles on the side. Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped almonds and/or chopped fresh parsley.

CRISP BLACK COD WITH SKORDALIA AND ROASTED BEETS

Steps:

• Make the skordalia: Bring potatoes and garlic to a boil in a medium pot of salted water. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Drain, and let cool.
• Peel garlic, and mash with potatoes. Pulse potatoes and vinegar in a food processor. Working quickly, add safflower oil in a steady stream, then club soda. Transfer to a bowl, and season with salt. Cover, and refrigerate.
• Make the beets: Bring beets to a boil in a small pot of salted water. Reduce heat, and simmer until tender, about 25 minutes. Drain, let cool, peel, and cut into quarters. Heat olive oil in large saute pan over medium heat. Add garlic; cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Add beet greens, and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 3 minutes. Stir in beets. Season with salt and pepper.
• Make the cod: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over high heat. Cook cod on 1 side until bottom is golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer skillet to oven, and roast until fish is opaque, 5 minutes. Serve, crisp side up, with skordalia, beets, and greens. Garnish with dill.