Batzaria Salata
(Beet Salad)
Courtesy of Judi <judi@moseleygroup.com>

12 Beets (or more) -- med. size
Oil (optional)
Vinegar (optional) OR
Skordalia (garlic) Sauce
Skordalia Sauce:
1 Head of garlic
3/4 pound Potatoes, boiled -- peeled
2 cups Oil (or more)
1/3 cup Vinegar
Almonds
Walnuts

Select fresh tender beets and cut off the tops and roots. Wash the beets, without removing the skins, and boil in a large pot with ample water.  Meanwhile, clean the beet greens with the stems; add to the pot after the beets have cooked 30 min.  When beets are tender, remove and strain the liquid.  Peel the beets and cut them into round slices; chop up the greens. Mound greens in center of a platter and surround them with the beet slices. Pour oil and vinegar over all, and serve. or serve with Skordalia (garlic) Sauce. Serve hot or cold.

Skordalia Sauce: Clean garlic and mash it completely (you may use food processor).  Mash in potatoes, one by one, until you have a thick paste (the more potatoes you use, the more sauce you get--but less potent). Alternately add the oil and vinegar, beating constantly. If the sauce is too thick for your taste, add a little water or fish or chicken stock. NO LUMPS IN THIS SAUCE, P-L-E-A-S-E !!

NOTE: Many people like to add almonds or walnuts to skordalia. These are mashed to a pulp and added to the paste before the potatoes, oil, and vinegar.