Taramosalata
Greek Fish Roe Dip
A classic Greek meze, Taramosalata is a creamy and briny dip made from cured fish roe, bread, lemon juice, and olive oil. Its distinctive pale pink hue and rich flavor make it a perfect accompaniment to pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crusty bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 100 g Tarama (cured cod or carp roe)(High-quality tarama is essential for flavor. Look for it at Greek delis or specialty food stores. It can be pink or white; the color will affect the final dip's hue.)
- 150 g Stale white bread(Remove crusts and soak in water. Stale bread works best as it absorbs liquid without becoming mushy.)
- 60 ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice(About 1-2 medium lemons. Adjust to your preference for tanginess.)
- 150 ml Extra virgin olive oil(Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor. It should be at room temperature or slightly chilled, but not cold.)
- 1/4 medium Small onion(Finely chopped. For a milder flavor, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes before using.)
- 2 tbsp Optional: Fresh parsley(Finely chopped, for garnish.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the bread: Tear the stale bread into pieces and remove the crusts. Place the bread in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let it soak for about 5-10 minutes until softened. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible by hand, breaking up any large clumps.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Combine base ingredients: In a food processor, combine the squeezed bread, tarama, and finely chopped onion. Process until a coarse paste forms. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 3
Emulsify the dip: With the food processor running on low speed, begin to slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a thin, steady stream. Once about half the oil has been added, gradually stream in the lemon juice. Continue adding the remaining olive oil and lemon juice alternately, processing until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and emulsified. The consistency should be like a thick mayonnaise.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 4
Taste and adjust: Stop the processor and taste the taramosalata. Add more lemon juice if you prefer it tangier, or a pinch of salt if needed (tarama is already salty, so taste first). If the dip is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of cold water or a little more lemon juice and blend again.
⏱️ 1 minute - 5
Chill and serve: Transfer the taramosalata to a serving bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up. Before serving, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with warm pita bread, crusty bread, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumber, carrots, and bell peppers.
⏱️ 30 minutes (minimum chilling)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a lighter, fluffier texture, ensure your olive oil is not too cold when adding it to the food processor.
- ✓The quality of the tarama is paramount; a good tarama will yield a superior flavor and color.
- ✓Don't rush the addition of olive oil; adding it slowly while the processor is running is key to achieving a smooth emulsion.
- ✓If your tarama is white, the final dip will be a lighter, creamier color. Pink tarama will result in a classic pale pink hue.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a different texture, replace half the bread with boiled and mashed potato.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
- Incorporate a small clove of garlic, minced very finely, for an extra kick.