Recipes Creamy Celery Root Skordalia Be the first to rate & review! In his version of the Greek garlic-almond spread known as skordalia, Hugh Acheson uses celery root in place of the traditional potatoes and blends it with plenty of olive oil, so it's nicely creamy. Party Dips and Spreads By Hugh Acheson Hugh Acheson Instagram Hugh Acheson is a Canadian-born chef and restaurateur. In addition to owning four restaurants in Georgia, he is a judge on the reality cooking competition series Top Chef, and an Iron Chef on Iron Chef Canada. Among Acheson's experiences is working for Chef Rob MacDonald at Ottawa's renowned Henri Burger restaurant where he acquired French etiquette, wine, and French cuisine, as well as serving as chef de cuisine at Mecca with Chef Mike Fennelly, as well as serving as opening sous chef at Gary Danko's restaurant, where he developed a love for simplicity, purity, and discipline. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 6, 2015 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Active Time: 25 mins Total Time: 45 mins Yield: 4 Ingredients 3 large garlic cloves ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil ¾ pound celery root Salt 2 tablespoons sliced blanched almonds 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Directions Preheat the oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, cover the garlic with the oil and simmer over low heat until the garlic is tender, about 12 minutes. Let the garlic stand in the oil. Using a sharp knife, peel the celery root and cut into 1-inch cubes. In a saucepan, cover the celery root with water and bring to a boil. Add a large pinch of salt and simmer over moderate heat until tender, 25 minutes. Drain and spread out on a work surface or baking sheet. Let dry for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, spread the almonds in a pie plate and toast in the oven for about 7 minutes, until golden. Let cool. Transfer the celery root to a food processor. Using a slotted spoon, add the cooked garlic, then add the toasted almonds and lemon juice and puree. With the machine on, gradually pour in the garlic-infused olive oil. Season the skordalia with salt, stir in 1/4 cup of water and serve. Make Ahead The skordalia can be refrigerated overnight. Reheat gently. Rate it Print