Indulge in the delectable flavors of Taramosalata, a classic Greek caviar spread that captivates taste buds with its creamy and savory allure. This beloved appetizer, often served during special occasions and celebrations, has its roots deeply ingrained in Greek culinary tradition. Made from a harmonious blend of fish roe, bread or potatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings, Taramosalata boasts a rich, umami flavor with a velvety texture that tantalizes the senses. Whether you prefer the traditional method using fish roe or the more accessible version made with bread or potatoes, this versatile spread offers a symphony of flavors that will elevate any culinary experience. As you embark on this culinary journey, discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect Taramosalata, with step-by-step instructions and variations that cater to diverse preferences. From the classic fish roe Taramosalata to the delectable bread-based and potato-based alternatives, this article provides a comprehensive guide to mastering this iconic Greek delicacy.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
TARAMOSALATA
Taramosalata is a classic Greek appetizer (meze). Satisfyingly delicious, it goes a long way as a party nibble and is also nice to have in the fridge for a quick lunch with some olives and a salad on the side. Fish roe is high in Omega 3 and Vitamin B12, and this is a great way to enjoy it.
Provided by Diana Moutsopoulos
Categories Appetizers and Snacks Seafood
Time 20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place bread in a bowl, cover with water and let sit until the bread is well soaked, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain water from the bowl and squeeze all of the excess water from the bread.
- Combine bread, olive oil, onion, and lemon juice in a food processor; process until smooth and homogeneous. Add tarama and process until well combined.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 383.2 calories, Carbohydrate 34.7 g, Cholesterol 139.6 mg, Fat 22.5 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 13.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 456 mg, Sugar 3.1 g
TARAMOSALATA: CARP ROE SPREAD
Steps:
- Combine the water and milk. Soak the bread in water and milk and squeeze it dry. Put the bread, tarama, onion, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add water as needed. Fold in chopped parsley and refrigerate overnight. Serve with crostini. Notes: Taramosalata is found in every Greek household, especially during the Lenten season. It is also Also very popular in taveranas all over Greece. It is best eaten on crisp pita or crackers as a meze with ouzo or Restina wine. It is a dish that Greeks eat on a daily basis.
- For crostini:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic and butter. Brush the butter/garlic mixture onto each slice of bread. Place the bread on a sheet pan and bake until crisp and golden brown, about 10 minutes.
TARAMASALATA
While this is a sturdy and reliable recipe for making the greek cod roe spread called taramasalata from scratch, funnily enough it doesn't call for cod roe. I've come to prefer the commonly available and affordable salmon roe instead. If you are putting together a greek meze plate - with feta and kalamata olives, some marinated octopus and skordalia - save the brine from the feta and use it to season the taramasalata instead of lemon juice and see what you think. It lends a great acidity. Be sure to take the extra step of grating the cooked potato instead of more conveniently throwing it into the food processor and whizzing - to avoid a gluey texture. It'll keep in the fridge for a week and can be used a few ways all summer - add a grated white onion and toss with shaved celery and diced tomatoes as a salad dressing. Or thin with a little of the potato cooking water and some good olive oil and consider it as a sauce for whole grilled fish.
Provided by Gabrielle Hamilton
Categories dips and spreads
Time 15m
Yield A generous 3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Place roe in the food processor with lemon juice. Microplane the garlic, and tap into the container.
- Purée until smooth and orangy-pink and "creamy."
- Add wet panko and a drizzle of olive oil, and purée until blended, now creamy and viscous.
- Transfer to a bowl, and with a tiny teardrop side of a box grater, grate in the potato. Whisk all together.
- Season with a little salt and more lemon juice to taste.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 233, UnsaturatedFat 2 grams, Carbohydrate 40 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 76 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams
SMOKED SALMON TARAMA WITH PITA CHIPS
Provided by Michael Psilakis
Categories Condiment/Spread Appetizer Salmon Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Makes about 2 1/3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine bread and milk in medium bowl. Let soak 5 minutes, tossing to moisten. Squeeze bread to release milk; reserve milk. Place bread in processor. Add next 4 ingredients; blend until smooth. With machine running, gradually add 5 tablespoons olive oil; transfer to medium bowl. Stir in tarama, 2 tablespoons dill, and enough reserved milk by tablespoonfuls to reach spreadable consistency. Season with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
- Pour enough olive oil into large skillet to cover bottom. Heat oil over medium high heat. Add pita triangles and cook until light brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels and drain.
- Place bowl of salmon tarama in center of platter. Garnish with salmon caviar and dill. Surround with pita chips and serve. more info Tarama is sold at many supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Greek markets.
TARAMASALATA
Whip up homemade taramasalata instead of using shop-bought. It's easier than you might think and is a great addition to a grazing platter
Provided by Barney Desmazery
Categories Buffet, Side dish, Snack
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Soak the bread in a bowl of cold water, then squeeze out the excess and tip into a food processor or blender. Cut through the thick skin of the roe lobes, scrape out the soft roe underneath and tip into the food processor with the bread. Add the onion, garlic, lemon juice and a good grind of black pepper, then whizz to a paste.
- With the motor running, gradually drizzle in the olive oil, then the sunflower oil, until everything is incorporated and you have a slightly thicker paste. Scrape the taramasalata into a serving bowl, drizzle with a little more olive oil and serve with toasted pittas for dipping.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 233 calories, Fat 20 grams fat, SaturatedFat 3 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 6 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 1 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 7 grams protein, Sodium 0.22 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, good-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your taramosalata. Look for fresh fish roe, good olive oil, and flavorful lemon juice.
- Soak the bread in milk or water: Soaking the bread in milk or water helps to soften it and make it easier to blend with the other ingredients. This will also help to prevent the taramosalata from becoming too thick.
- Use a food processor or blender: A food processor or blender is the best way to achieve a smooth and creamy taramosalata. If you don't have a food processor or blender, you can mash the ingredients together with a fork, but it will take a bit longer.
- Season to taste: Taramosalata should be flavorful, but not too salty or lemony. Season it to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice until you reach the desired flavor.
- Chill before serving: Taramosalata is best served chilled. This will help the flavors to meld together and will also make it easier to spread.
Conclusion:
Taramosalata is a delicious and versatile Greek spread that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be served as an appetizer with pita bread or crackers, or it can be used as a sandwich spread or dip. It is also a popular ingredient in Greek dishes such as pastitsio and moussaka. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, taramosalata is sure to be a hit.Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, good-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste of your taramosalata. Look for fresh fish roe, good olive oil, and flavorful lemon juice.
- Soak the bread in milk or water: Soaking the bread in milk or water helps to soften it and make it easier to blend with the other ingredients. This will also help to prevent the taramosalata from becoming too thick.
- Use a food processor or blender: A food processor or blender is the best way to achieve a smooth and creamy taramosalata. If you don't have a food processor or blender, you can mash the ingredients together with a fork, but it will take a bit longer.
- Season to taste: Taramosalata should be flavorful, but not too salty or lemony. Season it to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice until you reach the desired flavor.
- Chill before serving: Taramosalata is best served chilled. This will help the flavors to meld together and will also make it easier to spread.
Conclusion:
Taramosalata is a delicious and versatile Greek spread that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be served as an appetizer with pita bread or crackers, or it can be used as a sandwich spread or dip. It is also a popular ingredient in Greek dishes such as pastitsio and moussaka. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, taramosalata is sure to be a hit.
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