Place the potatoes in a wide, heavy nonstick skillet. Add enough cold water to come about two-thirds of the way up the potatoes. Add the olive oil, a sprinkling of salt, and the garlic. Bring the water to a boil.
Adjust the heat to maintain a steady but not violent boil. Cook, uncovered, until the water evaporates, 15 to 18 minutes; turn the potatoes ove