Damascus Garlic Appetizer

Thoom ----Syria and Lebanon:

Serves 4 to 6

In Damascus, traditional dishes, like this one, prepared in the home, and rarely revealed to outsiders. From ancient times, when new products were introduced--in this case, the potato--the Damascenes have taken them as their own. If you like garlic this dish is highly addictive. Thoom goes well with all types of foods and makes a scrumptious dip, especially with Arabic bread (pita).

1 cup mashed potatoes
6 cloves garlic, crushed
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup plain yogurt
salt and pepper to taste
8 black olives, pitted and sliced in half
4 medium sliced radishes

Thoroughly combine potatoes, garlic, olive oil, yogurt, salt, and pepper; then place on a platter. Chill, and served garnished with olives and radishes.